Impact of Intraoperative Topical Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose 2% Versus Sodium Hyaluronate 1.2% on Corneal Reepithelialization After Intentional Epithelial Debridement During Vitrectomy

PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the intraoperative use of topical hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 2% versus sodium hyaluronate 1.2% on corneal reepithelialization time and final corneal status after intentional epithelial debridement during vitrectomy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. METHODS:Forty eyes of 40 patients were included in the study, divided into 2 groups of 20 eyes. HPMC 2% and sodium hyaluronate 1.2% were used as corneal protectors in the first and second group, respectively. Patientsʼ charts were reviewed to determine any differences between the HPMC 2% and sodium hyaluronate 1.2% groups in relation to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors that could impact postoperative corneal reepithelialization. Postoperative reepithelialization time and final corneal status were recorded. RESULTS:No significant between-group differences in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were found. Reepithelialization time was significantly shorter in the sodium hyaluronate 1.2% group than in the HPMC 2% group, although reepithelialization was eventually achieved in every patient in both groups. Corneal sequelae were significantly more frequent in the HPMC 2% group than in the sodium hyaluronate 1.2% group. CONCLUSIONS:The choice of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device for intraoperative corneal protection may significantly influence the postoperative corneal status after complicated retinal detachment.