Protective effect of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose on corneal epithelium during phacoemulsification

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of corneal protective agent (2% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, HPMC) on corneal epithelium intraoperative and early postoperative phacoemulsification. Methods The data of 328 eyes of 328 cases with cataract from Mar. 2017 to Aug. 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. All cases underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. They were randomly divided into HPMC group of 164 eyes and control group of 164 eyes. The HPMC group received corneal surface drops HPMC during operation. The control group only used balanced salt solution to wet cornea during operation. The tear break up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining and Schirmer I test were observed at 1 day and 1 week after operation. Results One day after operation, the TBUT of two groups was less than that before surgery, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.012). The difference of TBUT at 1 week postoperatively was statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.009). The differences in the results of fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining and Schirmer I test value were significant between the two groups (1 day postoperatively P=0.029, P=0.041, P=0.032; 1 week postoperatively: P=0.032, P=0.039, P=0.047). Conclusion Corneal protector has obvious protective effect on corneal epithelium during phacoemulsification. It will obviously improve the function of tear film after cataract surgery. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of corneal epithelial dysfunction. Key words: Corneal protective agent; Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose; Phacoemulsification; Corneal epithelium