A comparison of topical diclofenac with prednisolone for postcataract inflammation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare diclofenac sodium with prednisolone acetate for the control of postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
In the dosage used, diclofenac was as effective an anti-inflammatory agent for uncomplicated post-cataract inflammation as prednisolone.
Roberts
C W
CW
Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
Brennan
K M
KM
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000473:pathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002452:Cell Count; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004008:Diclofenac; D011239:Prednisolone