Clinical comparison of Healon5 and Healon in phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation; Randomized multicenter study

PURPOSE: To compare the overall clinical performance during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP), and the effect on corneal endothelium of Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%) and Healon (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%) ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). SETTING: Multicenter study. METHODS: In this randomized prospective clinical study, the performance of Healon5 (viscoadaptive; dispersive and cohesive) and Healon (cohesive) during cataract surgery was evaluated in 157 patients, 79 with Healon5 and 78 with Healon. Surgeons evaluated the following on a 5-point scale: retention during phacoemulsification (primary endpoint), ease of injection, anterior chamber maintenance during continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), facilitation of IOL implantation, and ease of removal from the eye. Masked examiners other than the surgeon performed the following measurements: IOP preoperatively and 5 and 24 hours, 7 days, and 3 months postoperatively; corneal thickness before and 24 hours, 7 days, and 3 months postoperatively; and corneal endothelial cell count preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Intraocular retention during phacoemulsification was assessed as good or very good in 77% in the Healon5 group and 8% in the Healon group; the difference was statistically significant (P<.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The Healon5 group had significantly better scores for anterior chamber maintenance during CCC (P<.0001) and facilitation of IOL implantation (P =.032), and the Healon group had significantly better scores for ease of injection (P<.0001) and ease of removal (P<.0001). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in IOP, corneal endothelial cell count, or corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons rated Healon5 better than Healon in retention during phacoemulsification, anterior chamber maintenance during CCC, and facilitation of IOL implantation. They assessed Healon as easier to inject and remove. There was no difference in safety-related parameters between the 2 OVDs. These findings indicate that Healon5 is effective in cataract surgery.     

Effect of Healon5 and 4 other viscoelastic substances on intraocular pressure and endothelium after cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD) Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%) with 4 other commonly used OVDs during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in terms of influence on intraocular pressure (IOP) postoperatively and endothelial cells preoperatively and postoperatively. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany. METHODS: This clinical randomized prospective study, in which patients and observer were masked, comprised 81 eyes. Seventy-four eyes (mean patient age 71.2 years +/- 7.8 [SD]) completed all preoperative and 5 postoperative examinations. The OVDs used were OcuCoat and Celoftal (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2.0%), Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%), Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%), and Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%). Intraocular pressure was measured by standard Goldmann applanation tonometry preoperatively and 4 to 6 and 24 hours and 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Endothelial cell counts were done preoperatively and 90 days postoperatively using a Pro/Koester WFSCM contact endothelial microscope. Exclusion criteria were IOP greater than 21 mm Hg at the preoperative examination, age younger than 40 years, significant corneal pathology, and a history or presence of uveitis or pseudoexfoliation syndrome. RESULTS: All groups had increased IOP 4 hours postoperatively. The Healon5 group had the highest mean pressure (24.9 mm Hg) followed by the Viscoat group (23.6 mm Hg). The mean IOP in the other OVD groups was less than 22.1 mm Hg. These differences were not significant. Twenty-four hours postoperatively and at all subsequent examinations, mean IOP was below 20 mm Hg. The Healon5 group had the lowest mean endothelial cell loss (6.2%), significantly lower than in the other groups (P < .02). CONCLUSION: With all 5 OVDs, endothelial cell loss was found, with the lowest in the Healon5 group, and IOP was increased 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. After 24 hours, no significant increases in IOP were noted.     

Intraocular pressure after bilateral cataract surgery using Healon, Healon5, and Healon GV

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a difference in frequency or severity of postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes after bilateral phacoemulsification with complete ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) removal when Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%), Healon (sodium hyaluronate 1%), or Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%) is used. SETTING: York Finch Eye Associates and Humber River Regional Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Bilateral cataract surgery was performed in 99 patients; 50 were randomly assigned to receive Healon5 in 1 eye and Healon GV in the fellow eye and 49, Healon in 1 eye and Healon GV in the fellow eye. The IOP was measured preoperatively as well as 5 and 24 hours and 7 days postoperatively. The mean IOP and standard deviation at each time interval were calculated for each OVD. The results were compared among the OVDs using Student t tests for each time at which IOP was assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative IOP spikes among the Healon5, Healon, and Healon GV groups; however, patients receiving lower viscosity OVDs had a lower mean IOP at 24 hours. All groups had increased IOP at 5 and 24 hours and reduced IOP at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Within a family of molecularly similar OVDs, lower viscosity OVDs appear to cause slightly lower mean elevations in IOP in normal patients at 24 hours. However, if the OVD is removed, postoperative IOP spikes above 21 mm Hg appear related more to patient factors (eg, predisposition in glaucoma patients) and surgically induced trauma than to the specific long-chain non-cross-linked hyaluronan OVD used.     

Transient corneal edema after phacoemulsification: comparison of 3 viscoelastic regimens

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different viscoelastic substances on the grade and time course of postoperative corneal edema. SETTING: Department of Clinical Sciences/Ophthalmology, Ume? University Hospital, Ume?, Sweden. METHODS: This study comprised 62 patients with otherwise healthy eyes who had routine phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was given Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%) at phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Group 2 was given Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%) at phacoemulsification and Healon GV at IOL implantation. Group 3 was given Viscoat at phacoemulsification and Provisc (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%) at lens implantation. The central corneal thickness was measured with ultrasonic pachymetry before surgery and 5 and 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS: The mean increase in corneal thickness was significantly greater in Group 1 than in the other 2 groups 5 and 24 hours and 1 week after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The transient postoperative increase in central corneal thickness was greater in patients receiving Healon GV during phacoemulsification than in patients receiving Viscoat. The use of Provisc or Healon GV for IOL implantation did not affect the postoperative corneal thickness when Viscoat was used for phacoemulsification. The time course of the edema may be explained by a difference between the 2 agents in endothelial protection from ultrasonic, mechanical, or irrigation trauma.     

壳多糖在白内障人工晶状体植入术中的应用

比较壳多糖与透明质酸钠作为粘弹剂在白内障人工晶状体手术中的作用。方法对１４０例白内障随机分组,分别彩和ＥＣＣＥ＋ＩＯＬ或超声乳化吸出ＩＯＬ两种手术方法。７０眼术中用壳多糖作为粘弹剂使用,７０眼用透明质酸钠作为对照。结果术后矫正视力,角膜内皮,前房反应以及眼压变化,壳多糖组与透明质酸钠组均无显著差异。     

A prospective comparison of 4% polyacrylamide (Orcolon) and 1% sodium hyaluronate (Healon) in cataract and intraocular lens implant surgery

We performed a prospective randomized clinical trial of 4% polyacrylamide (Orcolon) and 1% sodium hyaluronate (Healon) in routine extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation or in secondary anterior chamber lens implantation. Seventy consecutive patients were enrolled. The viscoelastic agents were compared in four areas intraoperatively: ease of injection, ease of removal, clarity of field and ability to hold back ocular tissues. Healon was significantly superior to Orcolon in all four areas. Further evaluations were performed on the first day and at 2 weeks postoperatively. Measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) by Goldmann applanation and evaluations of corneal edema, epithelial keratitis and anterior chamber cellular reaction were recorded. Multivariable statistical analysis revealed only one difference between the two groups: significantly more patients in the Orcolon group (eight cases) than in the Healon group (two cases) had an IOP of 21 mm Hg or greater on the first postoperative day.     

Retention and removal of a new viscous dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device during cataract surgery in animal eyes

AIMS: To assess the retention and removal properties of a new viscous dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD), DisCoVisc, in comparison with those of cohesive (Provisc), dispersive (Viscoat), and viscoadaptive (Healon5) OVDs. METHODS: In 20 porcine eyes, cataract surgery was simulated using one of the four OVDs which were stained with fluorescein for better visualisation. Three parameters were measured. Firstly, the presence/absence of OVDs in the chamber at the completion of phacoemulsification was recorded. Secondly, the time until the OVDs were completely removed from the anterior chamber using the phaco needle was measured. Thirdly, after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, the time needed to completely remove the OVDs from the chamber with irrigation/aspiration tip was recorded. RESULTS: At the completion of phacoemulsification, the OVDs retained in 0% (0/5) for Provisc, 80% (4/5) for Healon5, 100% (5/5) for DisCoVisc, and 100% (5/5) for Viscoat. The retention of OVDs during phacoemulsification was greatest with Viscoat followed by, in descending order, DisCoVisc, Healon5, and Provisc. The removal of OVDs after IOL implantation took longest with Viscoat followed by Healon5, DisCoVisc, and Provisc. CONCLUSION: The viscous dispersive DisCoVisc showed excellent retention during phacoemulsification, while its removal after IOL implantation was very easy. When compared with the viscoadaptive Healon5, DisCoVisc was retained better in the chamber and was easier to remove. These features of DisCoVisc should be highly advantageous when considering covering the entire cataract surgery procedure with a single OVD.     

Scheimpflug photography study of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices during simulated cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate by Scheimpflug photography the capacity of several commercially available ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) to remain in the anterior chamber and maintain anterior chamber depth (ACD) during simulated cataract surgery in porcine cadaver eyes. SETTING: Department of Preclinical Ophthalmology, Pharmacia & Upjohn AB, Uppsala, Sweden. METHODS: Eighty eyes from newly slaughtered pigs were used. They were distributed equally among 8 OVDs: Amvisc Plus (sodium hyaluronate 1.6%), Biolon (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%), Biolon Prime (sodium hyaluronate 1.2%), Healon (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%), Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%), Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%), Provisc (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%), and Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%). Scheimpflug photographs were taken using a Nidek EAS-1000 instrument before surgery (control), after injection of the OVD, after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), and after lens extraction by phacoemulsification. Differences in the ACD with a P value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The retention capacity was visually assessed. RESULTS: Healon5 had a significantly higher capacity to maintain the ACD than the other OVDs after CCC and phacoemulsification. After injection, Healon5, Viscoat, and Biolon Prime showed similar ACD-maintaining capacities. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity of Healon5 to maintain the ACD during cataract surgery, ie, neutralizing the vitreous pressure and stabilizing the anterior segment of the eye, was significantly higher than that of the other OVDs.     

In vitro behavior of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices during phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate the behavior and aspiration of several ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) during phacoemulsification. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College Suidobashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: Cohesive OVDs (sodium hyaluronate 1.0% [Healon and Provisc]), dispersive OVDs (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0% [Viscoat]), and new-generation OVDs such as viscoadaptive (sodium hyaluronate 2.3% [Healon5]) and viscodispersive (hyaluronic acid 1.65%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0% [DisCoVisc]) OVDs, were stained with fluorescein sodium. The movement of the OVDs during simulated cataract surgery was recorded in porcine eyes under an operating microscope and with a side-view video camera. The initial and complete aspiration times of each OVD during phacoemulsification using 20 and 40 mL/min flow rates and sleeves and the removal times using the irrigation and aspiration (I/A) tip at the end of surgery were evaluated from the recorded videos. RESULTS: The complete aspiration time of the cohesive OVDs was less than 3 seconds but up to 20 seconds with a low flow rate of 20 mL/min with a smaller sleeve. Other OVDs remained in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification with both flow rates. The removal time for cohesive OVDs was less than 4 seconds and for new-generation OVDs, 10 to 15 seconds. The dispersive OVD required a significantly (P<.05) longer removal time than other OVDs. CONCLUSIONS: Cohesive OVDs are removed easily during phacoemulsification; however, the aspiration rate can be affected by fluidics. New-generation OVDs, such as Healon5 and DisCoVisc, remained in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification and were removed easily by I/A at the end of surgery. The behavior of these OVDs is preferable during phacoemulsification.     

Clinical results of phacoemulsification with the use of Healon5 or Viscoat

PURPOSE: To compare the ophthalmic viscosurgical devices Healon5 (viscoadaptive) and Viscoat (dispersive) regarding their overall clinical performance during phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation as well as their influence on intraocular pressure (IOP). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. METHODS: In this prospective randomized patient- and observer-masked clinical study, the performance of Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%) and Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%) was assessed by 3 surgeons during cataract surgery in 90 patients. Surgeons used a 5-point scale for the subjective assessment of the ease of injection, maintenance capacity during continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, remaining capacity during phacoemulsification, facilitation of IOL implantation, removal from the eye, transparency, and overall performance throughout surgery. Intraocular pressure was measured preoperatively and 24 hours and 7 days postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity was assessed preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall intraoperative product performance was assessed as good or very good in 34 of 44 patients (77%) in the Healon5 group and in 16 of 46 patients (35%) in the Viscoat group (P <.001). Retention in the anterior chamber was graded good or very good in 36 patients (82%) in the Healon5 group and in 23 (50%) in the Viscoat group (P =.001). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in mean IOP preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons graded Healon5 better than Viscoat in overall surgical performance and retention in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification. These data support that Healon5 adapts to each step during surgery.     

Intraocular pressure after small incision cataract surgery with Healon5 and Viscoat

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate) and Viscoat (sodium chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate) on intraocular pressure (IOP) after bilateral small incision cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized study comprised 70 eyes of 35 consecutive patients with age-related cataract in both eyes scheduled for bilateral small incision cataract surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to receive Healon5 or Viscoat during cataract surgery in the first eye. The second eye received the other viscoelastic substance. Cataract surgery was performed in an identical fashion in both eyes, with a temporal 3.5 mm sutureless posterior limbal incision, phacoemulsification, and implantation of a foldable silicone intraocular lens. The IOP was measured preoperatively and 6 hours, 20 to 24 hours, and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 hours after surgery, the mean IOP increased by 5.2 mm Hg +/- 5.3 (SD) in the Healon5 group (P < .0001) and by 10.1 +/- 8.7 mm Hg in the Viscoat group (P < .0001). The increase was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Healon5 group (P = .0016). Intraocular pressure spikes of 30 mm Hg or more occurred in 2 eyes in the Healon5 group and in 10 eyes in the Viscoat group (P = .0112). Twenty to 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively, the mean IOP in the 2 groups was not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Viscoat caused a significantly higher IOP increase and significantly more IOP spikes than Healon5 in the early period after small incision cataract surgery.     

Efficacy and safety of the soft-shell technique in cases with a hard lens nucleus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the soft-shell technique in reducing corneal endothelial cell damage during cataract surgery in patients with a hard lens nucleus. SETTING: Miyata Eye Hospital, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 57 cataract patients with a hard lens nucleus (Emery-Little classification grade 3 or higher) had phacoemulsification using the soft-shell technique with Healon((R)) (sodium hyaluronate 1%) and Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%) (soft-shell group) or with Healon alone (control group). The visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), flare intensity in the anterior chamber, central corneal thickness, and corneal endothelial cell density were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no significant IOP elevations in either group. The mean central corneal thickness in the control group was 539 microm +/- 26.0 (SD) preoperatively and 578 +/- 52.0 microm 1 day after surgery; the increase was significant (P =.0154). There was no significant change in the central corneal thickness in the soft-shell group. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, IOP, flare intensity in the anterior chamber, and central corneal thickness throughout the follow-up. The rate of endothelial cell loss 3 months after surgery was 6.4% +/- 9.6% in the soft-shell group and 16.3% +/- 9.8% in the control group (P =.0003). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the soft-shell technique is safe and effective in protecting corneal endothelial cells during cataract surgery in patients with a hard lens nucleus.     

Comparison of the clinical performance of Healon 5 and Healon in phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: Healon 5 is a high-molecular-mass fraction of sodium hyaluronate. Its density endows it with a number of viscoelastic characteristics. In this prospective, randomised clinical study we compared the performance of Healon 5 and Healon in phacoemulsification. SETTING: Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. METHODS: Two groups of patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. In the first 27 patients Healon 5 was used as viscoelastic substance during surgery, and in the second 27 Healon was used. The surgeons subjective comments on the performance of these viscoelastic agents were recorded at the different steps of surgery: injection, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, removal of viscoelastic agent and trasparency throughout the operation. The surgeon's overall impression of the viscoelastics during the whole operation was noted. Tonometry and endothelial cell count were performed in all patients before and after operation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups as regards visual acuity, ocular pressure and endothelial damage. Healon 5 showed excellent ability to maintain the anterior chamber during capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Removal time with Healon 5 was not appreciably longer than Healon. CONCLUSIONS: Healon 5 emerges as a very interesting viscoelastic substance. Visibility is better if the anterior chamber is filled completely. Removal is easier if it is aspirated while moving the irrigation aspiration tip with circular movements over the top and around the border of the IOL.     

Healon5: comparison of 2 removal techniques

PURPOSE: 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%). SETTING: 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.     

Intraocular pressure development in the rabbit eye after aqueous exchange with ophthalmic viscosurgical devices

PURPOSE: To evaluate an animal model used to study intraocular pressure (IOP) development after aqueous exchange with several commercially available ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). SETTING: Department of Preclinical Ophthalmology, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden. METHODS: Albino rabbits (New Zealand White) were used. Aqueous humor (50 microL) was exchanged with 8 OVDs. The IOP was measured every second hour for 12 hours and then 24, 48, and 72 hours after aqueous exchange using a pneumotonometer (Modular One, Bio-Rad Digilab Inc). A minimum of 7 eyes was used for each OVD. Healon was used as control in 1 eye in all experiments. The OVDs were Viscoat (chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate), Provisc (sodium hyaluronate), Biolon (sodium hyaluronate), Healon GV, Healon5, Ophthalin (sodium hyaluronate), Ocucoat (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), and Ivisc (sodium hyaluronate). RESULTS: All OVDs caused a postoperative increase in IOP. At 24 hours, the IOP was at the preoperative levels. However, there was considerable variation in the maximum IOP value and when this value occurred. The maximum value appeared to depend on the concentration of the rheologically active substance in the product and the time of the average molecular mass. There was also an increase in central corneal thickness, with a maximum increase 24 hours after the exchange but a large variation among animals. CONCLUSION: The animal model appears to be useful for comparing various OVDs, and the results may serve as a guide for the design of clinical studies of new products.     

Corneal edema and intraocular pressure after cataract surgery: randomized comparison of Healon5 and Amvisc Plus

PURPOSE: To compare the protective effect of Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%) and Amvisc Plus (sodium hyaluronate 1.6%) against corneal edema and their association with postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes in patients having phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Ophthalmology department of a general hospital. METHODS: One hundred forty patients were randomly assigned to have surgery with Healon5 (n = 70) or Amvisc Plus (n = 70). One eye of each patient was analyzed. Data collected preoperatively included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IOP. Central ultrasonic pachymetry was performed in all patients. The same ophthalmologist performed all surgeries. The IOP and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured 1 and 4 days and 1 month after surgery. The BCVA was also assessed at 1 month. RESULTS: There were no significant preoperative differences between the Healon5 and Amvisc Plus groups in sex, age, ocular pathology, BCVA, IOP, or CCT. Intraoperative variables were similar between groups, but it took significantly longer to remove the Healon5. Postoperatively, there were no differences between groups in the evolution of CCT or of IOP. Intraocular pressure spikes over 30 mm Hg were detected at 1 day in 7 patients in the Healon5 group and 2 patients in the Amvisc Plus group (10.0% versus 2.9%; P = .165). CONCLUSIONS: Both OVDs were beneficial in a wide range of cataract patients. However, the results suggest a tendency toward a higher complication rate with Healon5.     

Quantitative assessment of ophthalmic viscosurgical device retention using in vivo confocal microscopy

PURPOSE: To develop and apply a new laboratory method for in vivo quantitative assessment of the retention of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) following phacoemulsification. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: Studies of both eyes of New Zealand White rabbits were performed. Six OVDs were evaluated: Provisc and Healon (both sodium hyaluronate 1%), Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%), Amvisc Plus (sodium hyaluronate 1.6%), Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3%-chondroitin sulfate 4%), and a new viscous-dispersive OVD, DisCoVisc (sodium hyaluronate 3%-chondroitin sulfate 4%). The OVD was injected to fill the anterior chamber and a phacoemulsification needle inserted with the tip positioned just anterior to the lens capsule. Simulated phacoemulsification was performed for 1 minute using flow rates of 20, 40, and 60 mL/min; a vacuum level of 300 mm Hg; and ultrasound power of 60% using a Legacy phacoemulsification unit. The needle was removed, and silicone oil (1000 centistokes) was injected into the anterior chamber. The distance between the corneal endothelium and the OVD-silicone oil interface was measured using in vivo confocal microscopy through-focusing (CMTF). RESULTS: Significant differences in residual thickness were found between the OVDs tested. Specifically, the residual thickness of both DisCoVisc (mean 324.5 microm +/- 163.7 [SD]) and Viscoat (251.4 +/- 100.9 microm) was significantly greater than that of Provisc (9.5 +/- 16.7 microm), Healon (3.8 +/- 11.3 microm), Healon5 (0.6 +/- 2.4 microm), and Amvisc Plus (65.6 +/- 134.0 microm) (P < .05, Dunn test). Ophthalmic viscosurgical device retention was greatest with DisCoVisc; however, there was no statistically significant difference between DisCoVisc and Viscoat in residual thickness. The flow rate did not have a significant effect on the residual thickness (Friedman 2-way analysis of variance by ranks). CONCLUSIONS: Residual OVD thickness following simulated phacoemulsification could be quantitatively measured using in vivo CMTF. The results are consistent with human surgical experience in that the dispersive OVD (Viscoat) was better retained than the cohesive compounds. DisCoVisc, a new viscous-dispersive OVD, also showed retention compared with Viscoat under the experimental conditions.     

Randomized clinical comparison of Healon GV and Viscoat

PURPOSE: To compare the ability of Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%) and Viscoat (sodium chondroitin sulfate 4.0%-sodium hyaluronate 3.0%) to protect the corneal endothelium during endocapsular phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: A small ophthalmology group practice. METHODS: One hundred forty patients were randomized, 70 per group, in a prospective, partially masked study of cataract surgery using Healon GV or Viscoat. One ophthalmologist performed all surgery. Primary outcome variables were the 2 week postoperative changes in corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, mean endothelial cell size, and endothelial cell hexagonality. Several secondary variables were measured, and an analysis of the statistical power of the study was performed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age (P = .856), cataract density (P = .117), preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P = .892), postoperative BCVA (P = .969), amount of viscoelastic material used during surgery (P = .444), amount of irrigating solution used (P = .125), or phacoemulsification time (P = .088). It took longer to remove the Viscoat than the Healon GV (P < .001), and total operating time for the Viscoat group was longer (P < .001). Two weeks after surgery, there were no significant differences between groups in corneal thickness (P = .362), endothelial cell density (P = .351), or mean endothelial cell size (P = .610). However, Viscoat preserved the hexagonal shape of endothelial cells slightly better than Healon GV (P = .043). The study had sufficient power to detect clinically significant differences in corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and endothelial cell size. CONCLUSIONS: Healon GV and Viscoat were comparable in their ability to protect the corneal endothelium during endocapsular phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation. Results may vary, however, if phacoemulsification is performed anterior to the iris plane.     

Fluorescent viscoelastic enhancement.

By inserting an Erreger 485 exciter filter into the operating microscope, translucent yellow Healon (sodium hyaluronate) transforms into a brilliant opaque green viscoelastic. We have developed this technique and termed it "fluorescent viscoelastic enhancement." Using the technique, we demonstrated that the time required to remove Healon from the anterior chamber after intraocular lens insertion varies. Healon is usually aspirated quickly, in less than 17 seconds. Otherwise it traps behind the intraocular lens and requires more time for irrigation/aspiration (I/A) and manipulation of the I/A tip. Fluorescent viscoelastic enhancement minimized I/A time, reducing excess turbulence and manipulation in the anterior chamber, and thus may reduce corneal endothelial cell loss. This study also demonstrated that fluorescent viscoelastic enhancement prevented postoperative intraocular pressure rise, compared to the conventional removal of clear Healon. Fluorescent viscoelastic enhancement assures the surgeon that a large amount of Healon is not left behind.     

Effectiveness of the soft-shell technique in patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective ability of the soft-shell technique in patients with senile cataract and Fuchs' dystrophy having phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Railway Hospital, Katowice, Poland. METHODS: Sixty-one eyes of 54 patients (37 women, 17 men) with clinically confirmed Fuchs' dystrophy and cataract had clear corneal phacoemulsification and implantation of an intracapsular posterior chamber IOL with sodium hyaluronate 1% (Healon) or chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3% (Viscoat) in combination with sodium hyaluronate 1% (Provisc) in 1 package (DuoVisc). The central corneal thickness (CCT), measured with a Pocket Precision ultrasonic pachymeter (Quantel Medical, Inc.), was compared preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean preoperative CCT was 549.5 microm +/- 29.3 (SD). The postoperative increase in CCT over preoperative pachymetry measurements remained statistically significant in both ophthalmic viscosurgical device groups throughout the entire follow-up, from the first day to the sixth month after surgery (P<.0001). The maximum increase in CCT in both groups was on the first postoperative day, and it was significantly higher in the Healon group. Six months postoperatively, patients in the Healon group had a significantly greater CCT increase (P = .008). CONCLUSION: The soft-shell technique effectively protected the compromised endothelium in patients with Fuchs' dystrophy, proving its advantages in eyes with moderately damaged endothelium.