[Virus relevant physicochemical parameters of viscoelastics in cataract operation]

To define the physicochemical parameters of viscoelastics that are most important for visual acuity after phacoemulsification.

Eleven commercially available viscoelastics (ophthalmic viscosurgical device, OVD) were used in consecutive cataract operations. In addition to clinical findings, we assessed visual acuity, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, and pachymetric data preoperatively and on the first postoperative day.

On the first postoperative day the loss of endothelial cells in all phacoemulsifications was 0.661%, corrected for 1 s phacotime, while corneal thickness increased by 0.2384% and visual acuity by 5.206%, and intraocular pressure decreased by 0.306%. The most important parameters for visual acuity were the concentration of sodium hyaluronate and viscosity (100/s.) of the OVD. Pachymetric data were more relevant for postoperative visual acuity than endothelial cell counts.

Early visual rehabilitation after phacoemulsification depends on stable pachymetric data. OVD with a high content of sodium hyaluronate and high viscosity significantly reduces corneal swelling and improves visual acuity after phacoemulsifications on the first postoperative day.