A comparison of topical diclofenac with prednisolone for postcataract inflammation
C. W. Roberts and K. M. Brennan
Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To compare diclofenac sodium with prednisolone acetate for the
control of postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery. DESIGN:
Fifty-two patients undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber
intraocular lens implantation were randomly assigned to receive either 0.1%
diclofenac eye drops or 1% prednisolone eye drops as their postoperative
anti-inflammatory medication. The patients were examined 1 day (baseline),
1 week, and 1 month after surgery. Postoperative inflammation was evaluated
subjectively by slit-lamp assessment of cell and flare and objectively by
measurement of cell and flare with a laser cell and flare meter. RESULTS:
At each visit, there was no statistically significant difference in
postoperative inflammation either by slit-lamp assessment or with the laser
cell and flare meter for the two treatment groups. CONCLUSION: In the
dosage used, diclofenac was as effective an anti-inflammatory agent for
uncomplicated post-cataract inflammation as prednisolone.
