Transient corneal edema after phacoemulsification: comparison of 3 viscoelastic regimens.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of different viscoelastic substances on the grade and time course of postoperative corneal edema.


METHODS
Department of Clinical Sciences/Ophthalmology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.


METHODS
This study comprised 62 patients with otherwise healthy eyes who had routine phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was given Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%) at phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Group 2 was given Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%) at phacoemulsification and Healon GV at IOL implantation. Group 3 was given Viscoat at phacoemulsification and Provisc (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%) at lens implantation. The central corneal thickness was measured with ultrasonic pachymetry before surgery and 5 and 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery.


RESULTS
The mean increase in corneal thickness was significantly greater in Group 1 than in the other 2 groups 5 and 24 hours and 1 week after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The transient postoperative increase in central corneal thickness was greater in patients receiving Healon GV during phacoemulsification than in patients receiving Viscoat. The use of Provisc or Healon GV for IOL implantation did not affect the postoperative corneal thickness when Viscoat was used for phacoemulsification. The time course of the edema may be explained by a difference between the 2 agents in endothelial protection from ultrasonic, mechanical, or irrigation trauma.
Behndig
Anders
A
Department of Clinical Science/Ophthalmology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. anders.behndig@hotmail.com
Lundberg
Björn
B
D002807:Chondroitin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D003315:Cornea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D004338:Drug Combinations; C501944:chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate drug combination; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D002807:Chondroitin; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates