Comparison of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% and rimexolone 1% to control inflammation after cataract extraction. Prospective randomized double-masked study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (ketorolac tromethamine 0.5%) with that of a topical steroid (rimexolone 1%) to control inflammation after cataract surgery.


METHODS
Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to receive topical treatment with either ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% or rimexolone 1% starting the day after routine cataract extraction. Treatment was masked to both patient and investigator. Each patient had uneventful small incision phacoemulsification with placement of a foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens. Patients used 1 of the 2 antiinflammatory agents 4 times each day starting 24 hours after surgery. No antiinflammatory medications were used preoperatively, intraoperatively, or for 24 hours postoperatively. Signs and symptoms of inflammation, intraocular pressure (IOP), and Kowa cell and flare measurements were evaluated 1, 4, 7, and 30 days postoperatively.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in any measurement of postoperative inflammation between the 2 groups. There was no difference in objective or subjective cell and flare measurements. In addition, there was no difference in IOP measurements between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% was as effective as rimexolone 1% in reducing inflammation after cataract surgery. These results suggest that ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% is a safe and effective antiinflammatory alternative to steroids after cataract extraction.
Solomon
K D
KD
Storm Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29425, USA.
Vroman
D T
DT
Barker
D
D
Gehlken
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D014606:Uveitis, Anterior / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011245:Pregnadienes; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; C013769:rimexolone