Description
DESCRIPTION:
The SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shield is a clear, pliable, thin film of highly purified bovine collagen that has been lightly cross-linked to provide
the desired degradation time on the eye. The QS and 12-Hour shields are used primarily following cataract surgery and are intended to degrade
completely on the eye under a patch within 1 day. The 24-Hour and 72-Hour shields are used primarily following ocular injections, corneal trauma, and non-traumatic corneal conditions. They are intended to be placed on a non-patched eye and will remain on the eye, similar to a contact lens, for approximately the number of hours indicated. They will partially degrade during their time on the eye.
The collagen shield is designed to be placed over the cornea. It has a nominal diameter of 14mm and a compound base curve which
approximates 9mm when hydrated. The shield is thicker in the center and thin out towards the edge. When hydrated, the water content of the shield is 65% to 85% depending on the degradation time.
The collagen shield needs to be inverted before being placed on the eye. If the shield is not inverted, the eyelids will initially rub the edge of the
shield which may lead to premature dislocation of the shield. Invert the hydrated shield as if it were a contact lens. The edge of the shield should
point upwards, not outwards.
OASIS Medical recommends that collagen corneal shields be hydrated in a sterile balanced salt solution for ophthalmic use, or a similar solution.
The dehydrated shield is fragile. Avoid cracking it with forceps. Use care when hydrating the shield using viscous solutions as they may prevent the shield from seating securely on the cornea. This may result in the shield moving around and slipping off the cornea prematurely. Once applied to the eye, the hydrated shield will slowly absorb ocular fluids which contain collagenases and proteases. These enzymes cause the shield to slowly lose shape and eventually degrade. The QS and 12-Hour shields are usually retained in place by an eye patch. Degradation will usually be complete by the time the eye patch is removed.
The 24-Hour Shields will begin to move around on the eye as they start to lose shape and will eventually be pushed off the eye by
the eyelids at approximately the number of hours indicated by the labeling.
This time can be highly variable based on the volume of ocular fluids and the concentration of enzymes in these fluids. Patients with dry eyes
will generally find these shields take longer to lose shape due to lower tear volumes. Patients with diseased eyes may find these shields lose shape much faster due to the higher levels of enzymes in their tears. These shields will not be completely degraded by the time they come off the eye.
The SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shield allows ocular healing to take place by providing a protective barrier over the surface of the eye. As the shield gradually degrades, a thin layer of collagen is released which helps lubricate the eye.
INTENDED USE:
The SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shield is intended to protect ocular surface following surgery, injection, traumatic, and non-traumatic corneal
conditions.
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shields are indicated for ocular surface protection - Quick Shield and 12-Hour shields are used primarily following
cataract surgery and are intended to degrade completely on the eye under a patch within 1 day. The 24-Hour and 72-Hour shields are used primarily
following ocular injections, corneal trauma, and non-traumatic corneal conditions.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Professional judgement must be used by the physician in using SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shield on patients with infected, diseased, or
contaminated corneas, or patients presenting with the following conditions:
• Acute external ocular infection
• Intraocular infection
• Blepharitis
• Chalazions
• Allergic reaction to collagen or bovine products
PRECAUTIONS:
Do not resterilize the shield as this will alter its degradation time. Do not use any shield taken from an opened or damaged package. Do not use if
the sterile packaging is damaged. After use it should be properly disposed of according to medical waste guidelines of your facility.
Physicians should always use care in screening their patients for any known allergies to collagen or bovine derived products. In addition, patients
should be monitored for reaction to the shield (i. e. conjunctival hyperemia and edema, erythema, lacrimation, and pruritus).
The extended duration collagen shields should only be applied by ophthalmologists experienced with contact lenses for prolonged wearing times.
Collagen shields should be removed from the patient’s eye after 3 days as prolonged wearing can induce serious injury resulting from bacterial or
fungal infection.
It is recommended that the eye be anesthetized prior to placing a collagen shield on the eye. The pH of collagen shields is low and can cause a
temporary stinging sensation to the cornea until the surface pH of the shield is neutralized by ocular fluids. Alternatively, the surface of the shield can be neutralized by soaking the shield several times in fresh hydrating solution.
The collagen shield is not a vision correcting optical element and vision will be impaired through an intact shield. The patient may need assistance on the street and should not operate equipment or drive motor vehicles.
Substantial literature has been published on the use of collagen shields to dose various drugs to the eye. However, OASIS Medical has not
conducted controlled clinical studies on the use of collagen shields with drugs and therefore CANNOT recommend treatment using collagen shields with drugs or the hydration of shields in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Published literature stresses the importance of using only topical strength drugs.
Certain suspensions may cause corneal abrasions due to particles in the drug. Certain drug combinations may cause precipitates which can
cause corneal abrasions.
STORAGE:
SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shields should be stored at room temperature between 0°C and 25°C (32°F to 77°F). Avoid heat above 25°C (77°F)
which can prolong the dissolution time of the shield. Avoid temperatures at or below freezing.
RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
• Hydrate the shield prior to use for at least 3 minutes.
• Anesthetize the eye.
• Invert the shield before applying to the eye.
• Hydrate the eye and apply the shield. Ensure the shield is properly seated.
• Thoroughly hydrate the shield on the eye.
• The eye may be patched.
HOW SUPPLIED:
SOFT SHIELD® Collagen Shields are supplied sterile by electron beam irradiation in a double peel tray. The inner tray is intended to be used to
hydrate the shield. Lot Number and Expiration Date are printed on the packaging.
CAUTION:
Federal law (U. S. A.) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.