PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF MICROVISC AND HEALON IN ROUTINE PHACOEMULSIFICATION

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of the new sodium hyaluron ate viscoelastic, Microvisc(R), with those of Healon(R) in routine pha coemulsification. Setting York Finch Eye Associates and York Finch Gen eral Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Methods: An unmasked, prospec tive, randomized clinical trial of 100 eyes in 100 patients having rou tine phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was conduct ed to compare the safety and efficacy of Microvisc with those of Healo n. Visual acuity, corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure were ass essed preoperatively and at 6 hours, 1 and 5 days, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: There were no statistically significant diff erences between the two treatment groups at any follow-up. Conclusion: Based on the parameters assessed, both viscoelastic products were saf e and provided comparable outcomes.