Role of Topical Nepafenac and Topical Dexamethasone in Postoperative Inflammation after Cataract Surgery: A Comparative Study.

ABSTRACT

Background: To study the role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Nepafenac 0.1% topically in comparison to topical steroid for controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trials were given and double blind study was done. In both groups, similar baseline parameters were taken into consideration. Postoperative inflammation, intraocular pressure and visual acuity following routine small incision cataract surgery were assessed in both groups in first 21 days. Parameters were graded according to severity. Results: There was not much difference statistically in two groups in the treatment of any of the signs, including ciliary congestion, aqueous cells, flare, descemet’s folds, visual acuity and intraocular pressure (p 0.001) however, there was apparent improvement with corticosteroids when aqueous flare was considered but with Nepafenac there was no side effect and was well tolerated. Conclusion: Nepafenac is equally effective as topical steroid and can safely be used in routine postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery.