Ketorolac-tobramycin combination vs fluorometholone-tobramycin combination in reducing inflammation following phacoemulsification cataract extraction with scleral tunnel incision.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ketorolac-tobramycin combination with fluorometholone-tobramycin combination in the control of ocular inflammation after endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery with scleral tunnel incision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, investigator masked, 2-week, single-center study. Ocular examinations were carried out preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1 (baseline), 2, 3, 7, and 14. There were 60 patients (30 in each treatment group) undergoing uncomplicated cataract-lens implant surgery enrolled and randomized in the study. The baseline parameters were similar in the two study groups. At each visit comprehensive ocular examinations were performed and a 4-point (0 to 3) grading system was used to record findings of the burning/stinging sensation, blurred vision, ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia, anterior chamber flare, and anterior chamber cells.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in the findings of the ocular inflammation at any of the postoperative visits. Both treatments were equally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that ketorolac may be an alternative to some corticosteroids (fluorometholone). It is generally accepted that fluorometholone is not as potent an anti-inflammatory as prednisolone the most commonly used steroid following cataract extraction.