Prospective, randomized trial of Microvisc and Healon in routine phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of the new sodium hyaluronate viscoelastic, Microvisc, with those of Healon in routine phacoemulsification. SETTING: York Finch Eye Associates and York Finch General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: An unmasked, prospective, randomized clinical trial of 100 eyes in 100 patients having routine phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of Microvisc with those of Healon. Visual acuity, corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure were assessed preoperatively and at 6 hours, 1 and 5 days, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups at any follow-up CONCLUSION: Based on the parameters assessed, both viscoelastic products were safe and provided comparable outcomes.