Daniel Lee, M. D.Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have had 2 Vitrasert implants placed in each eye in 1998. When my CD4 count rose >200 , and having no recurrent CMV infection, the implants were left in place. In September 2001, one of the implants in my left eye dislocated and had to be removed. This past week another implant dislocated in my right eye and had to be removed. I had been in contact(breathing in the fumes) with oil-based primers preparing a door for my house. Are the materials that hold the implant in place able to interact with the fumes in such a way as it destroys the nylon? Or was I just turning my head at such an acute angle for too long? Any ideas?
Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic
In regards to your question, I believe that it was just by chance that the Vitrasert implants "dislocated". It was probably not related at all to fumes or other reasons. In my patients who have the same implants, I have had some who have continued to have these implants in place over 6-7 years while others have required removal just like yourself. You may want to talk to your ophthalmologist for another point of view. Thanks for your question.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.