[Reduction of endothelial cell number by cataract operation with intraocular thymoxamine administration. A randomized, double-blind study].

BACKGROUND

Thymoxamine, an alpha-1-receptor blocker, considerably enhances miosis when given intraocularly in combination with acetylcholine. We investigated whether intraocular use of thymoxamine 0.02% reduced the number of endothelial cells.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

After phacoemulsification of 59 eyes, either thymoxamine 0.02%, acetylcholine 1.0% or buffered saline solution was given intraocularly. With a contact specular microscope, corneal endothelial cell photographs were taken on the day before treatment and 3 days and 6 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between endothelial cell counts of eyes treated with thymoxamine (-7.2%), acetylcholine (-10.2%) or BSS (-9.4%).

CONCLUSION

This study shows for the first time that thymoxamine, when given in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification, does not cause a greater loss of endothelial cells than acetylcholine or buffered saline solution.