Comparison of the effect of two viscoelastic agents on an early postoperative intraocular pressure

This prospective study compares the effect of two viscoelastic agents (Viscoat and Provisc) on an early postoperative intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The study compares 36 patients with senile cataract. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by standard Goldmann aplanation tonometry preoperatively as well as on the first postoperative day, after 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively. The mean postoperative IOP at first postoperative day in the Viscoat group was 24.2 mmHg and in the Provisc group was 21.2 mmHg. The increase was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Provisc group but after 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively the mean IOP was not statisticaly different. The two viscoelastic agents cause equivalent pressure elevation postoperatively.