[The tolerance of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in implantation of posterior chamber lenses].

In 65 patients, the safety of a 2% solution of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was investigated by comparing HPMC with a balanced salt solution during posterior chamber lens implantation. The controlled open randomized trial consisted of two groups of patients: 1) in 37 patients the surface of the implant was coated with HPMC and the inner wound sealed prior to insertion; 2) in the control group with 28 patients the lens was dipped in the balanced salt solution. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups as regards any of the characteristics investigated, such as visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, endothelial cell loss, and postoperative irritation within the anterior chamber. There was no rise in mean intraocular pressure in the HPMC group on the first postoperative day, and a rise of 1 mm Hg in the control group. The increase in corneal thickness on the first postoperative day in the HPMC group was 0.07 and in the control group 0.04 mm. At re-examination (50th postoperative day) the mean thickness in both groups was identical to the initial values. The mean endothelial cell loss at re-examination was 18% (+/- 16%). No serious side effects were observed. HPMC may be regarded as a well-tolerated viscoelastic substance.