Evaluation of a Novel Blue-Colored Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device Applied during Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Recently, a new development in the field of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) has been introduced. The blue-colored OVD Pe-Ha-Blue® PLUS combines the viscoelastic properties of OVD together with trypan blue for better visualization during surgery. The objective of this case series is to investigate whether the use of a blue-colored OVD during cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) and narrow pupils (miosis) has advantages over the use of a clear standard OVD in combination with trypan blue. We included 52 eyes of 52 consecutive cataract patients diagnosed with PXF. Study participants were divided into two groups of 26 patients each, depending on which OVD was used during surgery (group A: blue-colored OVD; group B: standard clear OVD). Intraoperatively, we evaluated the operation time (surgery start to the beginning of phacoemulsification) and the surgeon's satisfaction with the surgical workflow. Postoperative examinations were performed 6 h, 20 h, and 4 weeks after surgery and included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Our results show that there was a statistically significant time gain in group A in terms of surgery time. In addition, findings on surgeon satisfaction, postoperative CDVA and IOP suggest further benefits in group A. We discuss further properties and possible advantages which may result from the use of a blue-colored OVD. In summary, a blue-colored viscoelastic device can be a helpful alternative to clear OVD especially in challenging cases to improve the surgical workflow and make the whole procedure even safer and faster.