Comparison of the effect of ringer's lactate and balanced salt solution on postoperative endothelial cell count after phacoemulcification?

ABSTRACT

Objective of this study is to compare the effect of ringer lactate and balanced salt solution on endothelial cell count after Phacoemulcification on larger sample size. Randomized Control Trial Study. This study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital Multan from December 2009 to May 2011. In this study, total 2902 eyes were included. 1453 were included in group A [where RL was used as irrigating fluid] and 1449 were included in group B [where BSS was used as irrigating fluid]. The patients were examined on Day 1, and at one and three months. At each follow-up visit, corneal clarity was noted as the presence or absence of Descement's folds and intra-stromal or epithelial edema. Anterior chamber was examined for the signs of inflammation as flare and cells. At three months follow-up, specular microscopy was performed. These examinations were done by the same observer who performs the tests preoperatively. It was found that mean endothelial loss in total population was 310.471 +/- 163.055 with SE 3.036 while in group A it was 321.592 +/- 171.620 with SE 4.523. Endothelial cell loss in group B was found to be 299.380 +/- 153.292 with standard error 4.034. Percentage decrease in endothelial cell count in group A was 13.40% while in group B it was 12.54%. Difference in percentage loss of endothelial cell count between two groups was 0.86%. It is found that BSS is better solution for irrigation during intra operative use during phacoemulsification than ringer lactate