Corneal thickness and visual acuity after phacoemulsification with 3 viscoelastic materials

PURPOSE: To determine whether differences exist in visual acuity and corneal thickness after phacoemulsification using various viscoelastic substances. SETTING: Phillips Eye Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. METHODS: Fifty patients having routine phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation by a single surgeon using the same technique were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative administration of 1 of 3 viscoelastic substances: Amvisc Plus(R) (sodium hyaluronate 1.6%), OcuCoat(R) (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2%), or Viscoat(R) (chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3%). Visual acuity and corneal thickness on the first postoperative day were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better 1 day postoperatively had significantly thinner corneas (596 microm) than those with a BCVA worse than 20/40 (639 microm). There were no differences in postoperative BCVA or percentage increase in central corneal pachymetry among the 3 viscoelastic groups. CONCLUSION: Viscoat, Amvisc Plus, and OcuCoat were comparable in their ability to produce clear corneas and good vision after routine phacoemulsification.