Comparison of anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium eye drops in phacoemulsification

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium eye drops in the resolution of inflammation following phacoemulsification surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implants.

Study design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and duration of study: Ophthalmology Department, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from June 2006 to March 2007.

Methodology: One hundred subjects were operated and postoperatively divided into two groups, designated as 'dexamethasone' and 'diclofenac' groups. They were assessed for visual acuity and followed for 5 weeks for the signs of inflammation, which included cells and flare in the anterior chamber and striate keratopathy. Proportions were compared by Fisher's exact test and the chi-square test.

Results: Topically applied diclofenac sodium suppressed postoperative inflammation effectively but its anti-inflammatory effects were of lesser magnitude as compared to that of topically applied dexamethasone drops (p < 0.005).

Conclusion: Dexamethasone eye drops were found to have more potent anti-inflammatory activity in moderate to severe cases than diclofenac sodium eye drops in postoperative cases.