[Comparative prospective study of effects of Biovisc and Healonid on endothelial cell loss and intraocular pressure in cataract surgery].

PURPOSE: The goal of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy (protective action on corneal endothelium and ability to facilitate the procedure) as well as safety (effect on intraocular pressure and inflammation) of Biovisc (new viscoelastic agent made of 1% sodium hyaluronate produced by bacterial fermentation) versus Healonid) postcataract surgery (manual or phacoemulsification).

METHODS

106 patients, 45 males and 61 females (31-94 years) were included in this prospective randomized multicentre trial and followed up for three months. Specular microscopy and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement were the main evaluation criteria.

RESULTS

At D 90, no significant difference was observed between the two viscoelastic agents on the mean endothelial cell loss (group Viovis: -8.6%; group Healonid: -6%) as well as on IOP (early peaks were transitory and resolutive).

CONCLUSION

Biovisc and Healonid were similar in terms of efficacy and tolerance.