Evaluating the Protective Effects of a Dispersive Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device Versus Balanced Salt Solution on...

To compare intraoperative and postoperative effects of applying a viscosurgical device versus balanced salt solution (BSS) during cataract surgery.

Single-center retrospective case-control pilot study. Reviewed 27 patients who received Viscoat (Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Fort Worth, TX) or BSS on the cornea during uncomplicated cataract surgery. Surgeries were analyzed for time when the microscope light reflection was indistinct on the cornea while instruments were in the eye. Postoperative data included patient pain ratings, National Eye Institute score, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores.

Compared with BSS, Viscoat application resulted in a significant increase in time with a clear light reflex during surgery ( P <0.001). With BSS, average time without a clear light reflex while instruments were in the eye was 82.69±50.14 sec, or 17.56%±12.00% of the surgery, compared with 0% with Viscoat. There was no significant difference in postoperative pain and National Eye Institute score between groups. However, OSDI score two about grittiness was significantly lower with Viscoat application ( P =0.01) and approaching significance for OSDI score three, about painful or sore eyes ( P =0.09).

Viscoat provided greater optical clarity during surgery with a single application and was associated with less sensation of grittiness compared with BSS.