Surgical first for ocular bandage

The first ophthalmic surgery in Europe using the CE mark approved I-SIPxAE Adherent Ocular Bandage was conducted in the UK by Dr Daniel Calladine and Mr Richard Packard.

Patients received a foldable IOL with wound-assisted implantation through a 2.2 mm clear corneal incision. No stromal hydration or sutures were employed prior to applying the I-ZIP bandage.

"In a previous clear corneal incision architecture study, we showed that low intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in the immediate postoperative period is associated with incision architectural features that suggest lower structural integrity. All I-ZIP patients had well formed anterior chambers and the incisions were observed with complete coverage of I-ZIP postoperatively," said Mr Packard. Patients were comfortable with normal tearing.

The I-ZIP Adherent Ocular Bandage is a synthetic hydrogel composed of approximately 90% water that can be applied to cornea, sclera and conjunctiva. The hydrogel bandage is applied as a liquid which then polymerizes in situ, forming a soft, adherent, protective barrier over the ocular incision. The bandage is intended to remain on the ocular surface during the normal re-epithelialisation process and subsequently slowly sloughs off into the tears.