HEALON GV VERSUS HEALON IN DEMANDING CATARACT-SURGERY

This study compared how well two sodium hyaluronate viscoelastics main tained the anterior chamber during cataract surgery in eyes at risk fo r high vitreous pressure. Patients were divided into two groups based on the sodium hyaluronate used: Healon(R) or Healon GV(R). Qualitative data were obtained with a digital slide gauge attached to the operati ng microscope. After capsulorhexis, mean anterior chamber depth (dista nce of the corneal apex to the iris plane) was significantly greater i n the Healon GV group (P = .0012). Subjective intraoperative evaluatio n by surgeons also favored Healon GV. There was no difference between the groups in postoperative inflammation, corneal edema, intraocular p ressure, or visual acuity. Therefore, although the two viscoelastics a re equally safe, Healon GV maintains the anterior chamber better durin g cataract surgery.