Corneal endothelial protection by different viscoelastics during phacoemulsification

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Maintaining corneal endothelium integrity post-surgery is crucial for visual outcomes.
• Different viscoelastic agents are used to protect the corneal endothelium during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of four different viscoelastic agents on corneal endothelium morphology and function after phacoemulsification.
• To identify viscoelastics that minimize early to medium-term postoperative damage.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized study of 58 patients undergoing phacoemulsification.
• Patients received one of four viscoelastics: Healon, Healon GV, Viscoat, or Hymecel.
• Corneal endothelium cell density, cell size variation, corneal thickness, endothelial permeability, and pump function were assessed via specular microscopy, pachymetry, and fluorophotometry at 7, 30, and 90 days post-surgery.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mean cell loss were observed among the groups.
• Hymecel and Healon groups showed significant increases in corneal thickness, endothelial permeability, and altered pump function at 7 and 30 days.
• Endothelial functional alterations were not observed in the Healon GV and Viscoat groups.

Conclusions:

• Viscoat and Healon GV demonstrated effectiveness in preserving corneal endothelium function in the early to medium-term postoperative period.
• These agents appear to minimize functional damage to the corneal endothelium following phacoemulsification.