Healon5: comparison of 2 removal techniques.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of the rock 'n roll and behind-the-lens techniques of removing Healon(R)5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%).


METHODS
St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
In a prospective randomized study of 159 patients, 2 techniques to remove Healon5--rock 'n roll and behind-the-lens--were compared during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery included identical phacoemulsification performed by 1 surgeon and implantation of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag. The removal time of Healon5 was recorded. The IOP was measured preoperatively and 5 and 24 hours postoperatively.


RESULTS
The mean IOP before surgery was 15.7 mm Hg +/- 2.8 (SD) in the rock 'n roll group and 15.9 +/- 2.7 mm Hg in the behind-the-lens group. Five hours postoperatively, the mean IOP was 25.6 +/- 10.4 mm Hg and 22.4 +/- 7.6 mm Hg, respectively; the difference between the groups was statistically significant. By 24 hours postoperatively, the mean IOP was at preoperative levels in both groups. The mean removal time of Healon5 was 50 seconds in the rock 'n roll group and 39 seconds in the behind-the-lens group; the difference between the groups was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that the behind-the-lens technique for removing Healon5 is quicker and safer than the rock 'n roll technique.
Zetterström
Charlotta
C
Department of Ophthalmology, St. Erik's Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Wejde
Gisela
G
Taube
Mikaela
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001239:Inhalation; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012399:Rotation; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014783:Viscosity
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid