MEAN INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AFTER PHACOEMULSIFICATION USING HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE AND SODIUM HYALURONATE AS VISCOELASTIC

Background: The goal of advancing surgical phacoemulsification techniques is to improve visual acuity (VA) restoration. Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), such as 1% Sodium Hyaluronate (NaHa) and 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) are commonly used to maintain the stability of the anterior chamber and ocular tissues. However, residual OVDs can increase intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a major postoperative problem. Objective: This research investigated the effects of 1% Sodium Hyaluronate (NaHa) and 2% Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) on intraocular pressure levels after surgery in phacoemulsification. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar from September 2018 to March 2019. Eighty patients undergoing phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were assigned to two groups in which Group A received 1% NaHa while those in Group B received 2% HPMC. IOP was measured preoperatively and after surgery with the Goldman Applanation Tonometer. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 22. Results: IOP before surgery was similar in the two groups (p=0.979). Group A which received 1% NaHa suffered a greater increase in IOP with a mean IOP (16 ± 1.28 mmHg) after surgery than Group B (15 ± 1.07 mmHg), (p=0.0001). Age and gender stratification showed that postoperative IOP was greater in the NaHa group. Conclusion: The research demonstrates that 1% NaHa is associated with a greater postoperative IOP rise compared to 2% HPMC.