A study to compare anti-inflammatory effect of topical prednisolone acetate and topical bromfenac after phacoemulsification

Abstract

Background: Phacoemulsification can result in postoperative inflammation which increases the risk of complications like increased intraocular pressure (IOP), uveitis, cystoid macular oedema and pain. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug bromfenac and topical prednisolone in controlling intraocular inflammation after uneventful cataract surgery and compared anterior chamber inflammation and pain between two different treatments.Methods: 200 patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were randomly assigned to receive either Bromfenac (0.09%) eye drops or prednisolone acetate (1%) eye drops as their postoperative anti-inflammatory medication with 100 cases in each group. Rest all the postoperative medications were common in both the groups. The patients were examined on day 1, day 7, day 21, and day 42 after surgery. Postoperative inflammation was evaluated using slit-lamp to assess the signs of inflammation in the form of aqueous cells and flare. Assessment of pain was done subjectively on each follow up visit.Results: Both the drugs were equally effective in controlling postoperative inflammation and pain.Conclusions: Bromfenac (0.09%) is an effective drug in controlling ocular inflammation after uneventful cataract surgery having effect similar to topical Prednisolone acetate (1%) with minimal side effects and less frequent dosing.