Retained Viscoat and intraocular pressure after phaceomulsification.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Viscoelastic agents are used during surgery to maintain anterior chamber space.
• Different viscoelastic formulations may impact postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of retained Viscoat on intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification.
• To compare the IOP in patients receiving Viscoat versus Provisc.
• To determine if complete removal of Viscoat is necessary.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-blind, randomized study involving 82 patients undergoing phacoemulsification.
• Patients received either Viscoat (3% sodium hyaluronate, 4% chondroitin sulfate) or Provisc (1% sodium hyaluronate).
• Viscoat was retained in the anterior chamber in some cases, while Provisc was removed as completely as possible. IOP was measured 16-20 hours postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Mean postoperative IOP was 22.37 mmHg in the Viscoat group and 19.67 mmHg in the Provisc group.
• Five patients in the Viscoat group experienced IOP above 30 mmHg, compared to three in the Provisc group.
• The study indicated a trend towards higher IOP with retained Viscoat.

Conclusions:

• Viscoat and Provisc caused comparable postoperative pressure elevations.
• A higher incidence of elevated IOP (>30 mmHg) was observed in the Viscoat group.
• Complete aspiration of Viscoat from the anterior chamber and capsular bag is recommended after phacoemulsification.