Study of Oral Vitamin C Effects on Protecting Corneal Cells During Hard Cataract Surgery Using Phacoemulsification

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the protective effects of oral vitamin C on the corneal endothelial layer in patients with hard cataracts undergoing phacoemulsification, a type of cataract surgery. The trial aims to determine whether vitamin C, given before and after surgery, can reduce oxidative stress and corneal endothelial damage compared to no vitamin C. This study also examines changes in oxidative stress markers in the eyes aqueous humour and blood, and the relationship between these markers. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups taking vitamin C before and after surgery, taking vitamin C only before surgery followed by placebo after, or taking placebo before and after surgery. The vitamin C or placebo is taken as 500 mg orally three times daily, starting seven days before surgery and continuing for 28 days after surgery. The trial includes a 7-week follow-up period with regular checkups. During the study, participants will visit the ophthalmology clinic on days 1, 7, 28, and 42 after surgery for assessments. They will keep a logbook to track medication intake and any symptoms. Researchers will measure endothelial cell loss, oxidative stress markers in blood and aqueous humour, corneal thickness, eye cell grading, and visual acuity over six weeks. Safety and adherence to medication will be monitored throughout the trial.

Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation in Corneal Endothelial Damage in Phacoemulsification of Patients with Hard Cataracts