Comparison of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Viscoimplantation and Hydroimplantation Techniques in Foldable Intraocular Lens Implantation

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional results of viscoimplantation and hydroimplantation techniques in monofocal foldable intraocular lens implantation. Materials and Methods: The study included 387 patients older than 50 years who underwent surgery for senile cataract. They were divided into two subgroups as hydroimplantation (group 1) and viscoimplantation (group 2). Results: The mean implantation time was 397.5±44.3 s in group 1 and 580±105.1 s in group 2. During the follow-up period (12 months), 4 (2.1%) patients in group 1 and 28 (14.6%) patients in group 2 developed posterior capsular opacification. The implantation time was shorter and the rate of posterior capsular opacification was lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.001). Intraocular pressure measurements were 16.5±2.87 mmHg in group 1 and 20.3±2.9 mmHg in group 2 at the first hour after surgery. At the twenty-fourth hour, the mean intraocular pressure was 14.1±1.3 mmHg in group 1 and 17.5±1.8 mmHg in group 2. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.011 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: In the hydroimplantation technique, the changes in anterior segment parameters between the preoperative and postoperative period are very small. It causes less intraocular pressure elevation. Therefore, hydroimplantation is a cost-effective, safe and effective method for monofocal foldable intraocular lens implantation in uncomplicated cataract surgeries.