Retention time of different ophthalmic viscosurgical devices during phacoemulsification in rabbit ocular model: A comparative analysis

Background: To compare retention times of various ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) and soft-shell combinations. Methods: Experimental study. Eighteen rabbit eyes were divided into six groups of three eyes, based on OVDs tested. A: Endocoat, B: HealonPro, C: Viscoat, D: Provisc, E: Endocoat and HealonPro and F: Viscoat and Provisc. OVDs were stained with 10% fluorescein dye before being injected into the anterior chamber. Phacoemulsification, using fixed parameters, was performed. If OVD persisted after 60 s, a standardised irrigation and aspiration technique replaced phacoemulsification. The time until central and complete clearance of the OVD were video-recorded and measured. Results: Mean central retention times (CRT) were found to be: HealonPro—5.33 ± 2.56 s, Provisc—3.33 ± 1.11 s, Endocoat—75.0 ± 3.26 s, Viscoat—62.33 ± 5.19 s, combining HealonPro with Endocoat—22.67 ± 4.75 s and Provisc with Viscoat—11.0 ± 0.82 s. The mean total retention time (TRT) was: Endocoat—80.0 ± 8.17 s, Viscoat—81.67 ± 2.09 s, HealonPro with Endocoat—81.33 ± 3.35 s, and Provisc with Viscoat—71.0 ± 2.94 s. For HealonPro and Provisc, CRT and TRT remained identical across all trials. Conclusions: Retention times varied, with cohesive OVDs exhibiting shorter durations than dispersive OVDs. Among dispersive OVDs, TRTs were comparable; however, Endocoat displayed an extended CRT. In soft shell trials, the combination of HealonPro and Endocoat exhibited prolonged CRT and TRT, suggesting enhanced corneal protection.