A comparison of the efficacy and toxicity of and intraocular pressure response to viscous solutions in the anterior chamber
D. B. Glasser, M. Matsuda and H. F. Edelhauser
An intraocular-lens abrasion test, vital dye staining, and scanning
electron microscopy were used for an in vitro comparison of endothelial
protection offered by four viscous solutions of 1% sodium hyaluronate
(Healon), 3% sodium hyaluronate (AmVisc), 4% chondroitin sulfate (Viscoat),
and 2% methylcellulose. Wide-field specular microscopy with analysis of
endothelial cell density and morphologic evaluation, pachymetry, and
intraocular pressure measurements were also used to study the toxicity of
the viscous solutions in an in vivo cat model with and without anterior
chamber washout. All four solutions provided complete endothelial
protection from mechanical trauma. Endothelial cell density and morphologic
nature were unaffected during the in vivo toxicity study. A mild increase
in intraocular inflammation occurred at one and two days after intraocular
injection with all four viscous solutions. Intraocular pressure elevations
peaked within four hours after instillation of the viscous solutions and
were significantly reduced by anterior chamber washout.
