[Endothelial cell protective effect of high viscosity substances in cataract surgery]

An experimental setting is presented to evaluate the endothelial protection offered by various viscoelastic materials applied in cataract surgery. The substances used were: hydroxypropylmethylcellulosis, a hyaluronic acid preparation (molecular weight 5.10(6), concentration 10 mg/ml), a hyaluronic acid preparation (molecular weight 800 000, concentration: 35 mg/ml), and balanced salt solution as control. The endothelial surface of pig corneas were covered by test substances and spread with a loop of prolene 4.0 suture material in a mechanically standard way. A total of 40 corneas were examined and the amount of endothelial damage evaluated by photometry using Janus-green wash-out, a substance, which selectively binds to damaged endothelial cells or descement membrane. The damaged surfaces differed significantly in all groups of viscoelastic substances and in the control group. Examination showed that the least damage was in group 3, followed by group 1 and the most damage in group 2. Endothelial protection during cataract surgery can be improved by modifications of the substances presently applied.