Prospective, randomized trial comparing Micro Visc Plus and Healon GV in routine phacoemulsification

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Sodium hyaluronate viscoelastics are crucial in ophthalmic surgery.
• Evaluating novel, high-viscosity agents like MicroVisc Plus and Healon GV is important for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and efficacy of MicroVisc Plus and Healon GV in routine phacoemulsification.
• To determine if high-viscosity, cohesive viscoelastics offer advantages over standard agents.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, prospective clinical trial involving 100 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification.
• Assessed safety and efficacy through visual acuity, corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and surgeon feedback.
• Compared results with a prior trial using standard viscosity viscoelastics (MicroVisc and Healon).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in safety or efficacy were observed between MicroVisc Plus and Healon GV.
• Surgeons found the two agents equivalent, though with slight differences in surgical facilitation.
• The Healon GV/MicroVisc Plus group showed significantly less transient postoperative corneal thickening compared to the Healon/MicroVisc group.

Conclusions:

• Healon GV and MicroVisc Plus are safe and yield comparable outcomes in phacoemulsification.
• MicroVisc Plus's higher viscosity influenced its surgical handling compared to Healon GV.
• Increased viscosity and cohesion in viscoelastic agents may enhance surgical safety.