Bacterial contamination of the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of bacterial contamination of the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive eyes of 96 patients having phacoemulsification cataract surgery with IOL implantation were included in this prospective study. Two intraoperative anterior chamber aspirates were obtained from each patient, 1 taken at the start and the other at the conclusion of surgery. In addition, preoperative and postoperative conjunctival swabs were acquired. The 4 specimens were cultured using direct culturing techniques under aerobic and anaerobic conditions for 14 days. No preoperative antibiotics were used. RESULTS: The incidence of intraoperative anterior chamber contamination was 0% (95% confidence interval, 0%-3.7%) as all intraoperative anterior chamber samples proved culture negative. Sixty-five percent of the preoperative conjunctival swabs were positive for growth, with corynebacteria, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Propionibacterium acnes being the most frequently cultured organisms. Sixteen percent of the postoperative conjunctival swabs were positive for growth, with corynebacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci being the most common bacteria. One patient developed culture-positive postoperative endophthalmitis; using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for further typing, the implicated Staphylococcus epidermidis was indistinguishable from that isolated from the patient's preoperative conjunctival swab. CONCLUSIONS: The bacterial contamination rate of the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was extremely low. Additional findings support the conjunctiva as being a primary source of bacteria causing postoperative endophthalmitis as well as the ability of povidone-iodine to reduce the conjunctival bacterial load.     

Intraocular bacterial contamination during sutureless, small incision, single-port phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of anterior chamber bacterial contamination during no-stitch, 1-handed, small incision phacoemulsification. SETTING: Little Company of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park, Illinois, USA. METHODS: This study comprised 53 eyes of 46 patients. Topical gentamicin sulfate was administered 1 hour preoperatively. After povidone-iodine cleansing solution and povidone-iodine paint (5% and 10%) were applied, the eyes were draped in a sterile manner. Aqueous fluid was aspirated upon entering the anterior chamber and at the end of surgery; the specimens were cultured for up to 14 days. All eyes had no-stitch, 1-handed, small incision phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable acrylic posterior chamber intraocular lens through a 3.5 mm scleral tunnel incision. RESULTS: Three specimens (5.7%) aspirated on entry into the anterior chamber were positive for microorganisms. Of the cultures obtained at the end of surgery, 4 (7.5%) were positive for microorganisms. All posterior lens capsules were intact. The following organisms were cultured at the end of phacoemulsification: alpha-streptococci, micrococci, saprophytic mold, alpha-viridans streptococci, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, and anaerobic positive cocci. No eye developed endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anterior chamber bacterial contamination was low. Bacterial contamination of the anterior chamber occurred at the beginning and toward the end of phacoemulsification. Staphylococcus species was the most common organism in the beginning, while Streptococcus species was the most common at the end. Saprophytic mold was present only at the end. No eye developed endophthalmitis.     

白内障囊外摘除人工晶体植入术后前房冲洗液的细菌学检测

本文对83例临床确诊的老年性白内障囊外摘除并人工晶体植入术后前房冲洗液进行细菌培养,其中5例细菌培养阳性,3例为表皮葡萄球菌,2例为金黄色葡萄球菌,这5例细菌培养阳性患者随访三个月,未发生感染性眼内炎。我们结果表明:白内障术后(保存完整晶体后囊)前房有清除细菌能力。     

兔眼人工晶状体植入的动态观察

Objective To observe the developmental changes ofintraocular lense （IOL） implantion in rabbits eyes for 180 days, Methods Five eyes were performed phacocmulsification and 15 eyes done phacoemulstficaltion with IOL implantation in 10 rabbits（20 eyes）.All of the eye8 were examined with alitlamp microscope at the 7th, 15th,30th,60th,90th, 120th, 150th, 180th day postoperatively. Results The postoperative response included corneal edema, anterior chamber response,posterior capsule opacification,locatton and surface changes of IOL,the abnormality of pupil and iris, At the 7th day postoperatively,2 eyes appeared corneal edema and anterior chamber exndation became prominent in all of the eyes, Posterior capsule opacification occurred at the 15th day postol〉 eratively. The granular material detosited on the IOL surface in 1 eye at the 30th day postoperatively. The dislocation of the IOL occurred in 50% eyes with IOL implantation. The most severe complication was sderal staphyloma in 1 eye with IOL implantation. The postopexative response was light in eyes without IOL implantation. Conclusion The experimental results may be taken as reference in future animal study. [ Rec Adv Ophthalmol 2007;27（2） ：96-98]     

白内障人工晶状体植入术前后角膜厚度和前房深度及前房角的改变

目的:探讨超声乳化白内障吸除折叠式人工晶状体植入术前后,术眼前房深度和角膜厚度及前房角结构的改变。方法:对20例20眼老年性白内障患者行超声乳化白内障吸除折叠式人工晶状体植入术,分别于术前和术后1wk使用超声生物显微镜量化测量前房深度、角膜厚度和前房角宽度。结果:全部患者术后1wk角膜厚度明显增加,前房深度明显增大;500μm处前房角开放距离(AOD500)及ACA角度均与术前值比较明显增加,且均P<0.01。结论:超声乳化白内障吸除折叠式人工晶状体植入术可以使角膜厚度显著增加;可显著增加老年性白内障患者的前房深度及房角宽度。     

Evaluation of bacterial contamination rate of the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification surgery using an automated microbial detection system

AIM:To assess the incidence of anterior chamber bacterial contamination during phacoemulsification surgery using an automated microbial detection system (BacT/Alert).METHODS:Sixty-nine eyes of 60 patients who had uneventful phacoemulsification surgery, enrolled in this prospective study. No prophylactic topical or systemic antibiotics were used before surgery. After antisepsis with povidone-iodine, two intraoperative anterior chamber aqueous samples were obtained, the first whilst entering anterior chamber, and the second at the end of surgery. BacT/Alert culture system was used to detect bacterial contamination in the aqueous samples.RESULTS: Neither aqueous samples obtained at the beginning nor conclusion of the surgery was positive for microorganisms on BacT/Alert culture system. The rate of bacterial contamination during surgery was 0%. None of the eyes developed acute-onset endophthalmitis after surgery.CONCLUSION:In this study, no bacterial contamination of anterior chamber was observed during cataract surgery. This result shows that meticulous surgical preparation and technique can prevent anterior chamber contamination during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.     

Clinical Analysis of Cataract Surgery Complicated by Endophthalmitis

Purpose:.To assess the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with intravitreal injection in the treatment of endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Methods:.Five patients.(5 eyes),.who had undergone conventional phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation at another treatment facility,.presented with endophthalmitis. The subjects ranged in age from 41 to 79 years (65.8±0.5 years on average),.and three were male..All five cases received bacterial culture susceptibility testing..On the basis of the treatment of primary disease, 3 cases had anterior chamber irrigation,.and posterior vitrectomy followed by intravitreal injection of 1 mg vancomycin plus 2.25 mg ceftazidime. Results:.Four out of the five cases of endophthalmitis had a positive bacterial culture testing results.(two cases of staphylococcus epidermidis,.one case of enterococcus faecalis and one case of head-like staphylococcus),.and the remaining case had no bacterial growth..Four cases showed restored visual acuity,.clear vitreous cavity,.and no retinal detachment or other complications. Conclusion: Management of patients presenting with endophthalmitis subsequent to cataract surgery should include: prompt bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests, and where appropriate, vitrectomy combined with intravitreal injection of vancomycin.     

Fate of anterior capsule tears during cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of anterior capsule tears, at what stage of surgery they occurred, and their intraoperative behavior. SETTING: Ambulatory surgery center, Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. METHODS: This 5-year retrospective study was of patients having phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation complicated by unplanned peripheral extension of the capsulorhexis tear or a radial anterior capsule tear. The operative notes and a videotape of the surgery were reviewed. The stage at which the tear was initially observed and when it extended were identified, as was whether the tear extended to the posterior capsule. Anterior vitrectomy and the design and location of the IOL implanted were also analyzed. RESULTS: A discontinuous anterior capsulorhexis or a break in the anterior capsule rim was observed in 21 eyes of 2646 cases, for an overall incidence of 0.79%. Anterior capsule tears were identified during ophthalmic viscosurgical device injection in 1 eye, capsulorhexis in 13 eyes, hydrodissection in 2 eyes, phacoemulsification in 3 eyes, irrigation/aspiration (I/A) in 1 eye, and implantation of a prosthetic iris device in 1 eye. Seven of the 13 tears identified during the capsulorhexis were managed by redirecting the second edge of the "safety" capsulorhexis to incorporate the tear. In 14 eyes, the tear in the anterior capsule extended into the zonules; 4 of these tears were limited. Ten tears extended around the equator and through the posterior capsule, occurring during the hydrodissection in 1 eye, phacoemulsification in 2 eyes, I/A in 1 eye, and IOL implantation in 6 eyes. An anterior vitrectomy was required in 4 eyes that had posterior capsule involvement. Endocapsular fixation of a 1-piece acrylic IOL was achieved in 18 eyes. Three eyes required implantation of a 3-piece acrylic IOL in the ciliary sulcus. CONCLUSIONS: Extension of an anterior capsule tear can complicate cataract surgery at any stage. Extension of the tear through the posterior capsule occurred in almost half the eyes with an anterior capsule tear, often requiring an anterior vitrectomy. Managing an anterior capsule tear can be challenging yet compatible with implantation of a posterior chamber IOL.     

青光眼滤过术后恶性青光眼合并睫状体脉络膜脱离

目的：探讨青光眼滤过术后恶性青光眼合并睫体脉和膜脱离的特点及治疗方法。方法：对10例12只青光眼小梁切除术后恶性青光眼合并睫状体脉络膜脱离的临床资料作回顾性分析。结果：4只眼经1－3次脉络膜上腔放液联合抽玻璃体水囊联合前房注气术后，3只眼压恢复正常，1只眼前房不恢复，改行前部玻璃体切除联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体植入术。其余8只眼均一次行前 部玻璃体切除联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体植入术，眼压控制正常，前房形成.结论：青光眼滤过术后恶性青光眼合并睫状体脉络膜脱离为难治并发症。脉络膜上腔放液联合抽玻璃体水囊治疗有效，前玻璃体切除联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体植入术可提高一次手术成功率。     

Pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Comparison of clinical complications in a combined versus two-step surgical approach

Purpose To report intra-and postoperative complications in pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. A comparison of the combined versus two step surgical approach is given.Method Medical records and operative notes of 111 eyes with combined surgery and 50 eyes with sequential surgery were retrospectively analysed. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate differences in disease groups, the use of endotamponading or endolaser and cryocoagulation. Postoperative follow-up time was between 3 and 18 months.Results Combined surgery: 64 eyes (57.5%) showed no complications. 17 eyes (15.3%) showed transient intraocular pressure rise, 17 eyes (15.3%) fibrinous exudation in the anterior chamber. Posterior capsule tears occurred in 7 eyes (6,3%), formation of posterior synechia was observed in 7 eyes (6.3%). IOL dislocation was seen in 3 eyes (2.7%), heavy covering of macrophages in 3 eyes (2,7%). Rare complications included silicon oil efflux into the anterior chamber (1.8%), anterior chamber hemorrhage (1,8%) and iris incarceration into the corneoscleral incision (0,9%). One eye needed explantation of the IOL during the follow-up. Sequential surgery: 31 eyes (62%) showed no complication. Transient intraocular pressure rise occurred in 14 eyes (28%), fibrinous exudation in 2 eyes (4%). Formation of posterior synechia was observed in 1 eye (2%), posterior capsule tears occurred in 4 eyes (8%). Dislocation of the IOL was seen in 1 eye (2%). Subgroup analysis revealed fibrinous exudation in the anterior chamber to be significantly more frequent after combined surgery, particularly in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Conclusion Combined pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation as well as the two-step procedure are safe and effective. Sequential surgery could be advantageous to minimize the postoperative anterior chamber inflammatory response.     

Single-piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens implantation in the sulcus in eyes with posterior capsule tear during phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate early and late period results of the implantation of single-piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) in the sulcus in eyes developing a posterior capsule tear (PCT) during phacoemulsification (PE). SETTING: S.S.K. Vakif Gureba Training Hospital Eye Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: This prospective and noncomparative study consisted of 89 eyes of 88 patients in which PCT developed, with or without vitreous loss, and that were followed up for at least 1 year. The IOL was implanted in the sulcus in all eyes with sufficient capsule support. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP), IOL centralization, and fundus were analyzed. RESULTS: Temporary corneal edema, the most frequently observed cause of reduced vision in the early period, appeared in 33 eyes; high IOP in 17 eyes; anterior chamber inflammatory reaction in 5 eyes; clinical cystoid macular edema in 7 eyes; and retinal detachment in 1 eye. The IOL was decentered in 4 eyes and dislocated in 1 eye. Repositioning was performed in 2 eyes. No IOL was removed. In the early period, BCVA was 5/10 and above in 41 eyes; the final BCVA was 4/10 and below in 16 eyes and of 5/10 and above in 73 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of foldable acrylic IOL in the sulcus in eyes developing posterior capsule tear during phacoemulsification surgery maintains the advantages of a small incision. Postoperative visual results were good, complications were few, and IOLs were centered.     

糖尿病白内障超声乳化人工晶状体植入疗效观察

目的：探讨糖尿病患者白内障超声乳化摘除联合囊袋内人工晶状体植入术后的疗效及并发症。方法：对６１例（８１眼）糖尿病白内障患者施行超声乳化摘除联合囊袋内人工晶状体植入术治疗。结果：术后视力≥０．５者占８５．１９％,视力≥０．３者占８８．８９％,并发症主要包括;晶状体后囊破裂５眼,占６％,角膜纹状混浊１６眼,占１９％,前房纤维素性渗出６眼,占７％,后囊混浊１０眼,占１２％,糖尿病视网膜病变１３眼,占１６     

Toric intraocular lenses for correcting astigmatism in 130 eyes

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the results after implantation of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct preexisting corneal astigmatism in patients undergoing either cataract or clear lens extraction surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty eyes of 99 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber toric IOL implantation from January 1997 through February 1998 were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Implantation of a toric IOL was performed after cataract surgery (122 eyes) or clear lens extraction surgery (eight eyes). Both preoperative corneal cylinder and refractive cylinder powers were more than 1.50 diopters (D) for all the eyes included in this study. To provide a comparison, we also studied 51 eyes of 45 patients meeting the same preoperative criteria for degree of corneal and refractive cylinder who underwent implantation of a spherical (nontoric) IOL combined with limbal relaxing incisions. The data for both study and comparison groups were analyzed retrospectively. The selection for the two groups was arbitrary. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), mean spherical equivalent, residual refractive cylinder, and toric IOL axis. RESULTS: In the toric IOL group, 84% of eyes achieved 20/40 or better UCVA. In the spherical IOL group, 76% achieved 20/40 or better UCVA. The mean postoperative refractive cylinder was -1.03 +/- 0.79 D in the toric IOL group and -1.49 +/- 0.75 D in the spherical IOL group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that phacoemulsification and posterior chamber toric IOL implantation is a largely predictable new surgical option to correct preexisting corneal astigmatism in cataract or clear lens extraction surgery.     

超声乳化白内障吸除联合小梁切除术治疗闭角型青光眼合并白内障

目的:观察超声乳化白内障吸除人工晶状体植入联合小梁切除术治疗闭角型青光眼合并白内障的临床效果。方法:对闭角型青光眼并白内障36例46眼行超声乳化白内障吸除折叠式人工晶状体植入联合小梁切除手术治疗。术前、术后分别详细记录患者视力、眼压、滤过泡、前房深度、房角及眼底情况。结果:术后随访3mo～2a,43眼(93.5%)视力较术前明显提高,44眼(95.7%)眼压保持在正常范围,术后眼压<21mmHg。35例46眼患者前房深度术前平均为2.1±0.3mm,术后平均3.8±0.4mm,术后所有患者前房深度均加深,术前关闭的前房角也有不同程度的开放。6眼(13.0%)角膜水肿,无角膜内皮失代偿。结论:合并白内障的闭角型青光眼患者行超声乳化白内障吸除联合小梁切除术安全有效,能够有效降低眼压、加深前房、开放房角,提高视力。     

The role of intraocular lenses in anterior chamber contamination during cataract surgery

Background: Bacterial endophthalmitis is a rare vision-threatening disease, usually caused by microorganisms that are natural inhabitants of the eye lids and conjunctiva. This study was conducted to investigate the role of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in introducing bacterial contamination into the eye during cataract surgery and the efficacy of povidone-iodine solution in prevention this ocular inoculum. · Methods: Fifty patients underwent routine cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. One group of the patients was pretreated with external disinfection using povidone-iodine 4% before surgery, while the other group was only pretreated with saline irrigation. Before IOL implantation, a test IOL was placed on the conjunctiva and taken for microbiological studies. Anterior chamber tap was done at the beginning and at the end of each operation. Positive bacterial growth was followed by bacterial identification and sensitivity tests to various antibiotics. · Results: Bacterial growth was obtained in 14 of the 50 eyes (28%); in 5 eyes the organism was cultured from tapped aqueous and in 9 eyes from the test IOLs. Prophylactic use of povidone-iodine 4% solution effectively reduced the contamination rate from 34.7% to 16.7%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common organisms isolated (72%). Most organisms were sensitive to vancomycin (86%) and to fucidic acid (71%). There were no cases of clinical endophthalmitis. · Conclusions: IOLs are apparently potential vehicles for introduction of intraocular bacterial contamination. Instillation of povidone-iodine 4% into the cul-de-sac reduces the risk of bacterial inoculum. Vancomycin is the most effective single agent against intraocular contamination. In order to reduce potential intraocular contamination it is advisable to avoid contact between the IOL and ocular tissues. Received: 23 June 1997 Revised version received: 9 October 1997 Accepted: 22 October 1997     

Anterior chamber depth and change in axial intraocular lens position after cataract surgery with primary posterior capsulorhexis and posterior optic buttonholing

PURPOSE: To compare axial position changes of the intraocular lens (IOL) by measuring anterior chamber depth (ACD) after small-incision cataract surgery with primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PPCCC) and posterior optic buttonholing (POBH) of the IOL and after conventional cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and in-the-bag IOL implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective comparative study comprised 23 patients (46 eyes) with age-related cataract who had bilateral cataract surgery and implantation of an acrylic IOL (YA-60BB, Hoya). In randomized order, cataract surgery with PPCCC and POBH of the IOL was performed in 1 eye of each patient. In the fellow eyes, conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery with in-the-bag IOL implantation was performed. The ACD was measured 1 to 2, 6, and 24 hours as well as 7 and 30 days postoperatively using high-resolution partial coherence laser interferometry. A baseline measurement was taken preoperatively in all patients. RESULTS: Ten patients completed 10 to 12 months of follow-up. Postoperatively, the axial IOL position was stable in eyes with PPCCC-POBH (P>.05). In contrast, a significant axial shift of the IOL in the anterior direction was observed in control eyes with in-the-bag IOL implantation (P<.001). The resulting refractive shift was significantly higher in control eyes than in eyes with PPCCC-POBH (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Combined PPCCC and POBH for cataract surgery significantly reduced postoperative anterior movement of the IOL.     

超声乳化白内障摘除术中后囊破裂的Ⅰ期后房型人工晶体植入术

目的评价超声乳化白内障摘除术中后囊破裂的Ⅰ期后房型人工晶体植入术的疗效。方法对１８４例（２００只眼）施行超声乳化白内障摘除术中后囊破裂者２９例（２９只眼）行Ⅰ期后房型人工晶体植入术。结果１０例囊袋内植入,１９例睫状沟植入。术后３个月随访,裸眼视力１．０以上者１７例（５８．６２％）,０．５～０．９者１０例（３４．４８％）;矫正视力１．０以上者２２例（７５．８６％）,０．５～０．９者５例（１７．２４％）。本组并发症主要为角膜水肿,瞳孔缘虹膜咬伤,前段玻璃体炎症等。结论对于后囊破裂及玻璃体脱出的患者,适当利用残留的前、后囊作为支撑,清除前段玻璃体,仍可植入后房型人工晶体。     

复杂病例白内障超声乳化手术的难点及对策

目的:观察复杂病例白内障超声乳化吸出人工晶状体植入术的疗效并探讨处理要点。方法:采用改良拦截劈裂技术对硬核白内障、高度近视并发白内障、糖尿病患者白内障及白内障合并青光眼等复杂病例白内障537例(558眼)行超声乳化手术。观察术中术后并发症及术后1mo的最佳矫正视力。结果:术后1mo最佳矫正视力≥0.5者437眼(78.3%),0.2~0.4者92眼(16.5%),≤0.1者29眼(5.2%);术中发生后囊膜破裂伴玻璃体脱出21眼(3.8%),晶状体核坠入玻璃体1眼(0.2%);术后角膜水肿212眼(38.0%),无角膜失代偿;房水混浊为363眼(65.1%);虹膜损伤2眼(0.4%)。结论:充分认识复杂病例白内障各病种的特点、正确掌握手术要点以及良好的围手术期处理,复杂病例白内障同样能获得理想的手术效果。     

Implantation of toric intraocular lenses for correction of high post-keratoplasty astigmatism

BACKGROUND: High postkeratoplasty astigmatism remains a challenge for the surgeon. First experiences after implantation of a toric PMMA IOL in three eyes from patients with cataracts are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After routine phacoemulsification we implanted an individually manufactured toric PMMA posterior chamber IOL via a sclerocorneal 6-mm tunnel incision in three postkeratoplasty eyes with high, topographically relatively regular astigmatism. One eye with the intraoperative aspect of circular zonular instability also received a capsular tension ring. A complete standard ocular examination was performed pre- and postoperatively including corneal topography, evaluation of anterior chamber depth, ultrasonic biomicroscopy and perimetry. RESULTS: Implantation and intraoperative alignment of the toric IOL were uneventful. The refractive astigmatisms of 5.0, 6.0 and 7.5 cyl D preoperatively, were reduced to 2.0, 1.75 and 3.0 cyl D, 10 and 12 months postoperation, respectively. The eye with the capsular tension ring showed no morphological or refractive changes during follow-up. In the other two eyes we observed IOL rotation of 20 and 30, respectively after 6 months. There were no posterior capsule opacification or capsular folds in the optical centre. CONCLUSION: Toric IOL technology allows enhancement of IOL surgery with improved refractive outcome. Simultaneous implantation of a capsular tension ring may improve long-term stability.     

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.