[Comparative studies of the use of viscoelastic substances in cataract surgery. A randomized study]

In three prospectively randomized groups of patients viscoelastic materials during IOL-implantation have been compared concerning 1. intraocular pressure, 2. endothelial cell count, 3. corneal thickness. Examinations were performed preoperatively, the first, second and fifth postoperative day. There was no statistical difference between hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (2%), hyaluronic acid (1%) and air. Examinations were performed preoperatively the first, the second and the fifth postoperative day. There was no statistically significant difference between all groups of patients, Advantages and disadvantages for routine use of viscoelastic substances are discussed.