Purpose: To evaluate a new liquid hydrogel ocular bandage (OcuSeal) to cover clear corneal cataract surgical incisions.  The clinical outcomes of patient discomfort (due to corneal epithelial abrasion), complications or other adverse reactions were evaluated.
Methods: At the conclusion of cataract surgery, we applied OcuSeal liquid bandage (Beaver Visitec International) to reinforce closure of clear corneal incisions (up to 3.0 mm) in 155 eyes of 112 patients (53 males, 59 females, mean age 67.37 ±11.97).  OcuSeal consists of a synthetic dentritic hydrogel comprised ot two separate components:  powdered polyethylene glycol (PEG) and liquid polyethylene amine (PEI).  The hydrogel is activated upon mixing and is then eaily applied as a liquid directly onto the ocular surface.  After application, OcuSeal cross-links within 20 seconds to form a smooth, flexible and transparent barrier film that protects the incision.
Results: During the immediate post-operative interval, patients treated with OcuSeal reported improved comfort.   The hydrogel had irregularly dissolved or dislodged (evident by slitlamp observation) in all cases within 12 hours.  No complications or adverse events were noted during the 3 month post-operative follow-up, and in particular no endophthalmitis cases developed. During the initial cases, OcuSeal was not correctly applied in 16 patients, as our inexperience in slow application of the liquid polymer to the corneal surface was not consistent with its relatively rapid polymerization.
Conclusion: OcuSeal liquid bandage applied at completion of cataract surgery may enhance incisional wound closure and improves post-operative patient comfort.