Intraocular pressure and endothelium cell counts after cataract surgery with chitosan and sodium hyaluronate (Healon GV): 3-year follow-up results of a randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of chitosan 0.1% and sodium hyaluronate 1.4% (Healon GV(R); Advanced Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA, USA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell loss.
METHODS: This randomised study comprised 140 eyes of 140 patients with age-related cataracts undergoing phacoemulsification followed by posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; 70 received chitosan 0.1%, and 70 received sodium hyaluronate 1.4%. The IOP was measured with standard Goldman applanation tonometry pre-operatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. Endothelial cell counts were performed pre-operatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively using a Pro/Koester WFSCM contact endothelial microscope.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences found in postoperative IOP levels among the chitosan and sodium hyaluronate groups (P>0.05). No significant differences were found in postoperative mean endothelial cell counts at all time points between the chitosan and sodium hyaluronate groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Chitosan has the same effects as sodium hyaluronate on IOP and endothelium cells counts after cataract surgery and IOL implantation, and therefore may be an alternative ophthalmic viscoelastic device.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes