One Liners issue 74 - February 2010: Eye 2 Eye - Ophthalmology Special

Would you like a flake with that?
The MHRA has received reports of white flakes and deposits appearing on the surface of inserted intraocular lenses while using a viscoelastic not specifically recommended by the lens manufacturer.

• Ensure that the correct viscoelastic is used during lens implantation, as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Speedy gonzales?
The MHRA has received reports of white deposits on intraocular lenses, which on investigation were found to be scuff marks due to the injector being advanced too quickly during insertion.

• Ensure that the speed of insertion of intraocular lenses is appropriate, as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Stop, think, inject!
The MHRA has received reports of intraocular lens opacification in association with the offlabel intra-cameral injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator ‘Alteplase’ for treatment of post-uveitic fibrosis.

• Please ensure all colleagues are aware of this risk and that all cases of intraocular lens opacification, no matter the cause, are reported to the MHRA. Please refer to (MDA/2010/008 - Intraocular lens (IOL) - hydrophilic acrylic).

What a turn-off
The MHRA has received a report of hard drive corruption of a biometry machine due to the incorrect shutting down of the instrument.

• Just as a personal computer must be shut down correctly to prevent damage to the hard drive, so do all computer operated instruments, from biometry machines to retinal imaging equipment.

You may fire when ready…
The MHRA has been made aware of an ophthalmic surgical laser failing to function, but that this was only discovered after the patient was anaesthetised.

• All ophthalmic surgical equipment, including lasers, should be tested at the beginning of an operating list, and prior to any patient being prepped and anaesthetised.

Don't waste ages, use our web pages
The MHRA continues to ensure that its ophthalmology specific web page contains all the up-to-date safety information regarding medicines and medical devices specifically of interest to ophthalmologists and allied professionals.

• Visit www.mhra.gov.uk/ophthalmology and sign up for email alerts that will save you time by automatically informing you when the page is updated.

The 'One Liners' editions are published by the MHRA, an executive agency of the Department of Health.
Adverse incidents should be reported at the earliest opportunity. We prefer to receive reports via the online reporting system on our website, www.mhra.gov.uk
You may also use this online system to send an email copy of your report to your medical device liaison officer.
We also have an adverse incident hotline: 020 7084 3080. You can find detailed reporting guidance on our website.