Topical diclofenac sodium compared with prednisolone acetate after phacoemulsification-lens implant surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution with that of prednisolone acetate 1.0% ophthalmic suspension for treatment of inflammation following phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation.


METHODS
One hundred and sixteen patients (diclofenac 57, prednisolone 59) with visually disabling cataract were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, double-masked, parallel group study in two centres. Post-operative patient assessments at day 1, 5-8 and 12-16 included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry and subjective evaluation of local tolerance.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference between the diclofenac and predisolone groups in the sum of the grades of anterior chamber flare and cells or the degree of conjunctival hyperaemia at any study visit. The overall assessment of local tolerance was similar for both the study medications. There were two (3.4%) possibly drug-related adverse events in the prednisolone group but neither was severe.


CONCLUSIONS
Diclofenac sodium 0.01% ophthalmic solution was as effective, safe and well tolerated overall as prednisolone acetate 1.0% ophthalmic suspension.
Demco
T A
TA
CIBA Vision Ophthalmics, Bülach, Switzerland.
Sutton
H
H
Demco
C J
CJ
Raj
P S
PS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004008:Diclofenac; C009935:prednisolone acetate; D011239:Prednisolone