Comparison of sodium hyaluronate and methylcellulose in extracapsular cataract extraction

Abstract

Extracapsular cataract surgery with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in a total of 30 patients. These were randomly divided into two groups. In one group sodium hyaluronate 1% (Healon) was used as a tool in surgery, in the other group methylcellulose 2% was used. The viscous substances were irrigated out of the eyes at the conclusion of surgery. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and aqueous flare were recorded until one month post-operatively. There was no difference in corneal thickness between the two groups. The mean intraocular pressure was lower than pre-operatively in both groups with a lower pressure in the methylcellulose group compared to the sodium hyaluronate group during the first part of the observation period.

Sodium hyaluronate and methylcellulose in extracapsular cataract extraction

“…Concerning postoperative IOP we could not prove a difference between the two groups, which has been demonstrated by others in favour of M (Thomsen et al 1987); also Liesegang et al (1986) found higher IOP following SH, though not significant. A reason for the lack of difference might at least partly be the removal of the viscoelastic agent from the eye at the end of the operation, as recommended by Fechner among others (Fechner 1983).…”

“…The findings in this article concerning postoperative flare are in accordance with the results of the few existing studies on this subject. Thomsen et al (1987) found no difference in aqueous flare postoperatively comparing the use of SH and M peroperatively in extracapsular cataract extraction (30 patients totally). Liesegang et al (1986) also compared the effect of SH and M, in a total of 70 patients, and concluded that both substances helped maintain the anterior chamber and facilitated the operation, although SH was preferred; they found no difference in intraocular inflammation postoperatively between the two groups.…”

Long‐term results of extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation:

“…Other short-term studies of ECCE using either Healon or HPMC have not demonstrated any difference in post-operative intraocular pressure (Liesgang et al 1986;Thomsen et al 1987;Lane et al 1991). Additionally, no difference was found in post-operative central corneal thickness or aqueous flare.…”

Analysis of the short‐term effect of two viscoelastic agents on the intraocular pressure after extracapsular cataract extraction

“…The use of viscoelastic agents like Healon and HPMC have been shown to cause an additional IOP elevation in the immediate post-operative phase (Barron et al 1985;Nzser et al 1986;Liesegang et al 1986;Thomsen et al 1987;Ruusuvaara et al 1990). …”

“…An early increase in IOP after cataract extraction should be expected no matter what type of surgery is used (Rich et al 1974;Gross et al 1988). The use of viscoelastic agents like Healon and HPMC have been shown to cause an additional IOP elevation in the immediate post-operative phase (Barron et al 1985;Nzser et al 1986;Liesegang et al 1986;Thomsen et al 1987;Ruusuvaara et al 1990).…”