Hydrogen Water Protects Eyes During Cataract Surgery
Effects of Hydrogen in Prevention of Corneal Endothelial Damage During Phacoemulsification: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Research hubs: Eyes & Vision System
- Evidence type
- Randomized controlled trial · Human study
- Authors
- Tsutomu Igarashi, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Maika Kobayashi, Yusuke Umemoto, Takeshi Arima, Hisaharu Suzuki, Toru Igarashi, Toshiaki Otsuka, Hiroshi Takahashi
- Journal
- American Journal of Ophthalmology
- Year
- 2019
- PMID
- 31077667
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 32
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- H2 dissolved in irrigation solution during phacoemulsification
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Adding hydrogen to the solution used in cataract surgery significantly protects the delicate cells on the back of the cornea from damage.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-enriched irrigation solution reduced corneal endothelial cell loss by approximately 50-60% compared to conventional solutions at all time points measured after cataract surgery.
Summary
In this clinical trial, 32 cataract surgery patients had one eye treated with hydrogen-enriched surgical fluid and the other eye treated with standard fluid. Researchers measured the number of cells in the cornea's inner layer (endothelial cells) before surgery and at multiple points afterward. Eyes treated with hydrogen-enriched fluid lost significantly fewer endothelial cells—about half as many—compared to eyes treated with standard fluid, suggesting hydrogen reduces damage caused by harmful molecules (free radicals) generated during the ultrasound-based surgery.
Practical Takeaway
This small human study suggests hydrogen water or hydrogen-enriched solutions may help protect the eye's inner corneal layer during cataract surgery, a procedure that can damage these delicate cells. However, this research is specific to surgical use and doesn't address whether drinking hydrogen water would provide similar benefits. More research in larger patient groups would be needed to confirm these findings and understand any broader applications.
Abstract (excerpt)
Purpose: Hydrogen (H2) has been reported to scavenge free radicals, particularly the hydroxyl radical (·OH). Ultrasound oscillation in an aqueous solution produces ·OH. Our recent study demonstrated that H2 dissolved in an irrigation solution prevented corneal endothelial damage during…