Comparison of the effect of sodium hyaluronate (Ophthalin) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-Ophtal) on corneal endothelium, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification

• Published in: European journal of ophthalmology Vol. 16; no. 2; p. 239
• Main Authors: Ray-Chaudhuri, N, Voros, G M, Sutherland, S, Figueiredo, F C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.2006
• Subjects: Anterior Chamber - drug effects; Cell Count; Cornea - anatomy & histology; Cornea - diagnostic imaging; Endothelium, Corneal - drug effects; Endothelium, Corneal - pathology; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid - pharmacology; Hypromellose Derivatives; Intraocular Pressure - drug effects; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Methylcellulose - analogs & derivatives; Methylcellulose - pharmacology; Phacoemulsification - methods; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 1120-6721
• DOI: 10.1177/112067210601600208

To prospectively evaluate the effects of 2% hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC-Ophtal) and sodium hyaluronate 1% (Ophthalin) on intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell loss in small incision cataract surgery with implant. A total of 110 patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification with implant received either 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or sodium hyaluronate 1% as ophthalmic viscosurgical device. Pre- and postoperative slitlamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement (preoperatively and at 1-4 hours, 1 day, and 7 days postoperatively), ultrasonic pachymetry (preoperatively and at 1 week, 4-6 weeks, and 12 weeks post operatively), and corneal endothelial cell count (preoperatively and 12 weeks postoperatively) were performed. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. All measurements were comparable between the two groups preoperatively. Intraocular pressure was significantly lower in the Ophthalin group at 1 day post operatively, while no significant difference was found between the two groups on the 1-4 hours and 7 days examination. The central corneal thickness was not significantly different between the two groups at any postoperative visit . However, the mean cell density demonstrated a significant fall of 11.76% for Ophthalin and 4.27% for HPMC-Ophtal at 12 weeks post-operatively, the difference between the two being significant (p=0.009). 2% Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, compared with sodium hyaluronate 1%, is superior in protecting the corneal endothelial cells, has the same effect on central corneal thickness, and is associated with slightly higher intraocular pressure 1 day post operatively. It compares favorably with sodium hyaluronate 1% and can be used as an effective and cheaper alternative in routine small incision cataract surgery with implant.