Healon5 versus Viscoat during cataract surgery: intraocular pressure, laser flare and corneal changes

Background: The use of a viscoelastic substance facilitates cataract surgery. Healon 5 is a new viscoelastic product with special rheological properties. We evaluated the postoperative effect of Viscoat and Healon5 on intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell counts and laser flare. Methods: Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification followed by foldable IOL implantation were enrolled. Either Healon5 or Viscoat was used according to a block- randomization scheme. The aspiration technique was standardized. IOP, CCT, endothelial cell counts and laser flare were compared pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed…