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Intraocular pressure after cataract surgery with Healon
Journal - American Intra-Ocular Implant Society
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Irrigating sodium hyaluronate (Healon) after cataract surgery significantly reduces the risk of increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Unirrigated Healon led to higher IOP spikes in 35% of patients compared to 11% in irrigated patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation is a common procedure.
- Sodium hyaluronate (Healon) is frequently used during such surgeries.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a potential post-operative complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Healon on post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP).
- To compare IOP outcomes between Healon retention and Healon irrigation groups.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 75 patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation.
- Sodium hyaluronate (Healon) was used in all cases.
- Patients were divided into two groups: Healon left in the anterior chamber (n=40) and Healon irrigated out (n=35).
Main Results:
- A significantly higher percentage of patients (35%) experienced an IOP increase ≥ 20 mm Hg in the Healon retention group within 10 hours post-surgery.
- Only 11% of patients in the Healon irrigation group showed a similar IOP increase.
- At 20 hours post-surgery, the average IOP was markedly lower in the irrigated group (15.6 mm Hg) compared to the non-irrigated group (23.8 mm Hg).
Conclusions:
- Leaving Healon in the anterior chamber after cataract surgery is associated with a higher incidence of post-operative IOP elevation.
- Irrigating Healon from the anterior chamber appears to be a safer approach, mitigating the risk of significant IOP spikes.
- This finding suggests a modification in surgical technique to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.
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