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.