The Effect of Healon(R) and Metrol(R) on Cornea and Intraocular Pressure in Extracapsular Cataract Extraction with Posterior Chamber Lens Implantation

Rhee, Sang Wook; Youn, Dong Ho; Chung, Sung Kun; Choi, Dong Gyu

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of viscoelastic substance on corneal thickness, corneal endothelium and intraocular pressure by measuring corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure in extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation. The study comprised of 50 patients, divided into two groups: extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation using Healon(R) or 2% methylcellulose(Metrol(R)). The txtracapsular cataract extraction was done by irrigation and aspiration technique and the posterior chamber lens was implanted into posterior chamber. The corneal thickness and endothelial cell density were measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks of postoperative period: intraocular pressure was measured preoperatively and at 24 hours of postoperative preiod. The results were as follows: 1. The preoperative corneal thickness, endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure were 499 +/- 34 micrometer, 2523 +/- 388 cells/mm2 and 15.9 +/- 2.4mmHg in average respectively. 2. The postoperative corneal thickness with Healon(R) was 501 +/- 42 micrometer, and with Metrol(R) was 491 +/- 28 micrometer. There was no significant difference between Healon(R) used and Metrol(R) used group(p<0.05). 3. The loss of endothelial cell with Healon(R) was 10.7%, and with Metrol(R) was 17.1%. The endothelial cell loss was lower in Healon(R) used group than that of Metrol(R) group. 4. The intraocular pressure with Healon(R) was 14.6 +/- 3.9mmHg, and with Metrol(R) was 12.3 +/- 4.4mmHg. There was no significant difference between Healon(R)-used and Metrol(R)-used group(p<0.05).