Intraocular pressure and endothelium cell counts after cataract surgery with chitosan and sodium hyaluronate (Healon GV): 3-year follow-up results of a randomised clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of chitosan 0.1% and sodium hyaluronate 1.4% (Healon GV(R); Advanced Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA, USA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell loss.


METHODS
This randomised study comprised 140 eyes of 140 patients with age-related cataracts undergoing phacoemulsification followed by posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; 70 received chitosan 0.1%, and 70 received sodium hyaluronate 1.4%. The IOP was measured with standard Goldman applanation tonometry pre-operatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. Endothelial cell counts were performed pre-operatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively using a Pro/Koester WFSCM contact endothelial microscope.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences found in postoperative IOP levels among the chitosan and sodium hyaluronate groups (P>0.05). No significant differences were found in postoperative mean endothelial cell counts at all time points between the chitosan and sodium hyaluronate groups (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Chitosan has the same effects as sodium hyaluronate on IOP and endothelium cells counts after cataract surgery and IOL implantation, and therefore may be an alternative ophthalmic viscoelastic device.
Li
You
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Cheng
Jin-Wei
JW
Wei
Rui-Li
RL
Hou
Chun-Lin
CL
Wang
Wen-Bin
WB
Gu
Qi-Sheng
QS
Cai
Ji-Ping
JP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002452:Cell Count; D048271:Chitosan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D055682:Viscoelastic Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D055682:Viscoelastic Substances; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D048271:Chitosan