RESUMO
Introduction: Findings from specular microscope studies have demonstrated increased endothelial cell loss associated with the use of air for lens implantation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome after cataract surgery with lens implantation using air or viscoelastic to maintain the anterior chamber Design: Retrospective record analysis Subjects: Record cards of patients operated for cataract at Sakubva Eye Unit; Mutare; Zimbabwe in the period January - December 2002 Main outcome measures: Operative complications; post operative keratitis; presenting visual acuity at discharge; two and six weeks postoperatively. Results: Record cards of 315 patients were analysed; 207 (65.7) had lens implantation under air; 108 (34.3) had implantation under viscoelastic. Presenting visual acuity at discharge; two and six weeks postoperatively was better or equal to 6/18 in 36.7; 34.4and 52of patients implanted under air compared to 40.7; 35.6and 38.3of those implanted under viscoelastic. Post operative keratitis was observed in 14of patients implanted under air and 12of those implanted under viscoelastic. Vitreous loss was experienced by 1.9and 5.8of patients implanted under air and viscoelastic respectively.Conclusion: Despite reports of increased endothelial cell loss associated with use of air for lens implantation; this study finds no difference in surgical outcome between patients implanted posterior chamber lens under air or viscoelastic