Effect of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices on post cataract intra ocular pressure changes and an assessment of their relative protective effect: a randomized controlled study

Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) has emerged as a popular technique in the ophthalmic practice. Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) are an integral part of the modern ophthalmic practice their role came to prominence with the success of extra capsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and the use of intra ocular lens implants (IOLs). There are few published data about the effect of various OVDs following manual small incision cataract surgery.

To determine post operative intra ocular pressure(IOP) changes after MSICS technique upon using OVDs; hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and sodium hyaluronate (NAH) and also to assess the post operative protective effect of these two OVDs on cornea.

Sample of 60 senile cataract patients selected from the outpatient department of Ophthalmology and divided into 2 equal groups of 2%HPMC(Group A) and 1%NAH(Group B). MSICS technique was adopted for cataract surgery. Pre and postoperative IOP was assessed using Goldmann applanation tonometer and the cornea was examined under slit lamp Biomicroscope. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS (statistical package of social sciences) version 16.01. A value of p <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

In both groups there was statistically significant rise in IOP in the 24 hours Postoperative period and insignificant drop in IOP in the 1 week postoperative period. In 1%NAH group few patients showed corneal complications.

Our study showed significant increase in IOP in the 24 hours postoperative period upon using 2%HPMC and 1%NAH and 2%HPMC proved better protection on the cornea.