A comparison of topical diclofenac with prednisolone for postcataract inflammation.

Author(s): Roberts CW, Brennan KM

Affiliation(s): Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, USA.

Publication date & source: 1995-06, Arch Ophthalmol., 113(6):725-7.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

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.