Corneal endothelial cell coating during phacoemulsification using a new dispersive hyaluronic acid ophthalmic viscosurgical device.

PURPOSE

To compare the corneal endothelial coating of a new hyaluronic acid ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) with dispersive properties with that of a standard hyaluronic acid OVD with cohesive properties.

SETTING

David J. Apple International Laboratory for Ocular Pathology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

METHODS

The corneal endothelial cell coating of a new dispersive OVD (sodium hyaluronate 3% [Healon Endocoat]) and a standard cohesive hyaluronic acid OVD (sodium hyaluronate 1.4% [Healon GV]) as well as their combination using the soft-shell technique were evaluated. All OVDs were stained with fluorescein. Each of the 3 test groups comprised 10 porcine eyes. Cataract surgery was performed with identical phacoemulsification settings and time frames. Afterward, the cornea was trephined and a photograph taken of the endothelial side under blue light. The corneal coating with OVD was evaluated using planimetric image-analysis software.

RESULTS

The least endothelial coating was in the cohesive group (71%), while the dispersive group had statistically significantly higher adherence to the endothelium (87%) (P=.0009). The greatest endothelial coating was in the soft-shell technique group (93%); however, the difference between that group and the dispersive group was not statistically significant (P=.0962).

CONCLUSION

The new dispersive hyaluronic acid OVD with a low molecular weight showed a greater adherence to the endothelial surface than the standard cohesive hyaluronic acid OVD with a higher molecular weight.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.