Efficacy of a lutein-based dye (Phacodyne ™) for visualizing anterior capsulorhexis during cataract surgery by phacoemulsification

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel lutein-based dye for the anterior capsulorhexis during phacoemulsification in cataract surgery in humans. Methods: Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients were operated by 25 different surgeons who performed continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) guided by a lutein-based dye (Phacodyne ™) during cataract surgery by phacoemulsification. A questionnaire assessed the surgeon's opinion regarding the efficacy of the dye. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 7, and 30 days post-surgery. Eyes were evaluated by full ophthalmic examination, corneal topography/pachymetry, and corneal endothelial cell count. Results: As revealed by the answers to the questionnaire, the dye facilitated the CCC procedure in all eyes. Baseline nuclear cataract classification (according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III; LOCS III) was 3.24 (± 1.12). Preoperative BCVA (logMAR) was 0.89 ± 0.59 and improved to 0.23 ± 0.22 on day 30 after surgery. The intraocular pressure (IOP) remained stable and the inflammatory reaction subsided in all cases within the first 7 days after surgery. The pre-operative values of corneal pachymetry and IOP were similar to those found on follow-up day 30. Loss in endothelial cell number was similar to earlier reports. Conclusion: Phacodyne ™ was efficient when used for anterior capsulorhexis during cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and showed no signs of toxicity or side effects during the 30-day follow-up period.