[Corneal endothelial protection in phacoemulsification of high risk eyes with cornea guttata. Intra-individual comparison of 2 visco-elastic substances of different viscosity and molecular size].
BACKGROUND
We compared the endothelial protective function of two hyaluronic acid viscoelastics (Healon GV, Provisc) of different molecular weight and viscosity during phakoemulsification in high-risk eyes.


METHODS
This prospective, randomized, single-masked clinical trial in 60 eyes was characterized by an intraindividual comparison. For better demonstration of the endothelial protective function provided by the viscoelastics, only patients with bilateral cornea guttata were included. In addition to corneal thickness, central endothelial cell counts, anterior chamber flare, visual acuity and intraocular pressure were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively on the first day and 1-2 weeks after surgery.


RESULTS
No differences were observed between the endothelial cell counts in either eye. In contrast, eyes treated with Provisc had a statistically significant higher increase of corneal thickness. Transient corneal decompensation was also noticed only in three eyes of the Provisc group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results do not support the assumption of generally better protection of the corneal endothelium by viscoelastics with lower viscosity compared to viscoelastics with higher viscosity.
Schmidl
B
B
Augenklinik der Bundesknappschaft Sulzbach/Saar.
Anterist
N
N
Mester
U
U
D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014783:Viscosity
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
Hornhautendothelschutz bei Phakoemulsifikation an Risikoaugen mit Cornea guttata. Intraindividueller Vergleich zweier Viskoelastika unterschiedlicher Viskosität und Molekulargrösse.