The safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification surgery in uncomplicated cataracts with and without an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device

Purpose To compare and evaluate the results of phacoemulsification surgery involving and not involving an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device (OVD). Methods A prospective, randomized controlled trial included 60 eyes of 60 patients scheduled to receive phacoemulsification surgery. In order of presentation, patients were randomized into two groups to undergo different surgical techniques: the OVD-free group (n = 30) and the OVD group (n = 30). Each patient’s operating time, total ultrasonography (U/S) time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time, and volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) aspirated were recorded. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperation, measurements of endothelial cell density (ECD) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were taken and compared between the groups. Results Total U/S time (p = .567) and CDE (p = .168) were similar between the groups. In the OVD group, operating time (p = .011), aspiration time (p