Changes in corneal endothelium cell characteristics after cataract surgery with and without use of viscoelastic substances during intraocular lens implantation.

Purpose: To evaluate whether the use of balanced salt solution (BSS) or an ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD) during hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation variously impacts corneal endothelial cell characteristics in eyes undergoing uneventful phacoemulsifications.

Methods: Prospective nonrandomized observational clinical trial. Patients were assigned either to the BSS plus(®) or to the OVD Z-Celcoat™ group depending on the substance used during IOL implantation.