Corneal thickness and visual acuity after phacoemulsification with 3 viscoelastic materials.

PURPOSE

To determine whether differences exist in visual acuity and corneal thickness after phacoemulsification using various viscoelastic substances.

SETTING

Phillips Eye Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

METHODS

Fifty patients having routine phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation by a single surgeon using the same technique were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative administration of 1 of 3 viscoelastic substances: Amvisc Plus(R) (sodium hyaluronate 1.6%), OcuCoat(R) (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2%), or Viscoat(R) (chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3%). Visual acuity and corneal thickness on the first postoperative day were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Patients with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better 1 day postoperatively had significantly thinner corneas (596 microm) than those with a BCVA worse than 20/40 (639 microm). There were no differences in postoperative BCVA or percentage increase in central corneal pachymetry among the 3 viscoelastic groups.

CONCLUSION

Viscoat, Amvisc Plus, and OcuCoat were comparable in their ability to produce clear corneas and good vision after routine phacoemulsification.