Safety of trypan blue 1% and indocyanine green 0.5% in assisting visualization of anterior capsule during phacoemulsification in mature cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of trypan blue 1% and indocyanine green (ICG) 0.5% in assisting visualization of anterior capsule during phacoemulsification in mature cataract.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China.

METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial comprised 46 eyes with mature cataract receiving phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. They were randomized into 3 groups (trypan blue, ICG, and control without stain). Visual acuity, endothelial cell count, corneal clarity, anterior chamber reaction, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were documented before surgery and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The absolute phaco time was also recorded.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in absolute phaco time (P=.17), mean endothelial cell loss (P=.72 at 1 week, P=.43 at 1 month, and P=.60 at 3 months) and no significant correlation between the absolute phaco time and the change in endothelial cell count (P=.50 at 1 week, P=.10 at 1 month, and P=.60 at 3 months) in the 3 groups. None of the patients had postoperative IOP greater than 21 mm Hg. All eyes had clear corneas and a quiet anterior chamber 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Both trypan blue 1% and ICG 0.5% are safe for assisting visualization of the anterior capsule during phacoemulsification of mature cataract.