Impact of 0.1% and 0.2% Sodium Hyaluronate on Postoperative Discomfort Following Phacoemulsification Surgery

Impact of 0.1% Sodium Hyaluronate and 0.2% Sodium Hyaluronate on Postoperative Discomfort Following Cataract Extraction Surgery, a Comparative Study

Primary objective of the study is the assessment of the patients' discomfort following cataract extraction surgery by means of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

Participants will be recruited from the Cataract Service of the University Hospital of Alexandroupolis (UHA), the Naval Hospital in Athens, the Papanikolaou General Hospital in Thessaloniki, and Athinaiki General Clinic in Athens in a consecutive-if-eligible basis. By means of a custom computer randomization program all participants will randomly populate either study group [who will receive fixed combination of tobramycin and dexamethasone (FCTD), (Tobradex, Alcon, Greece) quid for 3 weeks and 0.2 % sodium hyaluronate (Hylogel, Pharmex, Greece) quid for 6 weeks], and control group [who will receive Tobradex quid for 3 weeks and 0.1 % sodium hyaluronate (Hylocomod) quid for 6 weeks].

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of senile cataract with stage 2 or 3 nuclear opalescence according to the - Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS-3) grading scale

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis or evidence of dry-eye-disease (DED)
2. IOP-lowering medications
3. Former incisional surgery
4. Former diagnosis of corneal disease
5. Diabetes
6. Autoimmune diseases
7. Mental diseases