Ophthalmic irrigants: a current review and update.

The search for an ideal intraocular irrigating solution is of paramount importance to te ophthalmic surgeon. An intraocular irrigating solution, as well as surgical technique, can have deleterious effects on ocular tissues. Since an intraocular irrigating solution comes in contact with the cornea, lens, trabecular meshwork, uvea, vitreous, and retina, and ideal irrigant would be ome that ensures biological function for all of these tissues. In a practical sense, the best irrigant is one that causes the least possible damage to the structural integrity and function of the intraocular environment. This paper summarizes the development, uses, and efficacy of intraocular irrigating solutions as currently used during intraocular surgery.