The quantitative effect of Healon on early postoperative intraocular pressure after extracapsular cataract extraction with implantation of a posterior chamber lens.

In a prospective, randomized and masked study the quantitative effect of sodium hyaluronate (Healon) on early postoperative intraocular pressure after cataract surgery was evaluated. At the end of planned extracapsular cataract extraction with implantation of posterior chamber lens, 0.1 ml or 0.2 ml of Healon was injected into the anterior chamber. The intraocular pressure was measured preoperatively, 3-6 h and 24 h postoperatively. All patients received topical timolol at the end of surgery. The results were compared to eyes operated with identical techniques where Healon was aspirated at the end of surgery. Three to six hours postoperatively a significant drop in mean intraocular pressure from preoperative pressure occurred when Healon was aspirated, but no statistical differences in mean intraocular pressure appeared when 0.1 ml or 0.2 ml of Healon was injected. The frequencies of pressure rise above 30 mmHg show no differences among the groups. Twenty-four hours postoperatively a significant pressure elevation from mean preoperative pressure occurred when 0.1 ml or 0.2 ml Healon was injected compared to the group were Healon was aspirated at the end of surgery. Similar results are seen when pressure rise above 30 mmHg are concerned.