Effects of topical diquafosol pretreatment on intraoperative corneal wetting.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of pretreatment with diquafosol 3.0% ophthalmic solution on corneal surface wetting during cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cases of senile cataract.

SETTING

Shohzankai Medical Foundation, Miyake Eye Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized single-masked comparative study.

METHODS

Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were performed in eyes with senile cataract. After a 2-week washout period, patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 drop of diquafosol 3.0% ophthalmic solution or artificial tears 6 times daily for 4 weeks before surgery. The main outcome measure, termed the corneal wetting property, was the time between when a clear image of the operating microscope light source appeared just after the corneal surface was irrigated with a balanced salt solution and the time at which that image began to blur.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 51 patients (76 eyes). The mean time to corneal wetting was 50.1 seconds ± 10.8 (SD) in the diquafosol group and 45.3 ± 9.2 seconds in the artificial tears group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<.029).

CONCLUSION

Four-week pretreatment with diquafosol 3.0% ophthalmic solution in patients with senile cataract scheduled for cataract surgery with IOL implantation was effective in enhancing the intraoperative corneal surface wetting property, which suggests improved optical clarity during surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.