Prospective randomized clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of a new ophthalmic viscosurgical device in patients undergoing cataract surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bio-Hyalur LVD compared with Viscoat ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) in patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Setting: 2 tertiary eyecare hospitals in Italy. Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial. Methods: This study compared the outcomes of Bio-Hyalur LVD vs Viscoat OVD in patients undergoing standard cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation from January 2021 to April 2022. The primary outcome was mean change in IOP at 6 hours. Secondary outcomes included 1-day, 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day mean intraocular pressure (IOP); 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day corrected distance visual acuity; endothelial cell density (ECD); change in central corneal thickness (CCT); and complications including intraocular inflammation. Results: 84 eyes of 84 patients (n = 41 in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group and n = 43 in the Viscoat group) were screened, enrolled, randomized, and included in the analysis. Mean change in IOP was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group 6 hours ( P = .034), 7 days ( P < .001), 30 days ( P < .001), and 90 days ( P = .003) postoperatively. Mean change in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity was significantly higher in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group 30 and 90 days postoperatively. No significant differences in ECD, CCT, and complication rates were observed between groups at any timepoint. Conclusions: Bio-Hyalur LVD OVD was safe and effective in patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Bio-Hyalur LVD OVD did not confer a higher risk of postoperative increase in IOP.