Posterior capsule opacification after phacoemulsification in patients with postoperative steroidal and nonsteroidal treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone, diclofenac, and a placebo given for 3 weeks after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on the formation of posterior capsule opacification (PCO).


METHODS
St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
In a 2-year prospective randomized double-blind study, a laser flare meter was used to measure aqueous flare intensity preoperatively and 3 days, 2 weeks, and 2 years after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Posterior capsule opacification was evaluated 2 years postoperatively using retroillumination images taken with a Scheimpflug camera. The Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification system was used to score the areas of PCO density.


RESULTS
The median rate of PCO 2 years after phacoemulsification was 0.72 (range 0.32 to 1.57) in the dexamethasone group, 0.78 (range 0.19 to 2.14) in the diclofenac group, and 0.70 (range 0.35 to 1.70) in the placebo group. The differences were not statistically significant (P>.05; Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, multiple comparisons). The rate of neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy during the 2 years after surgery was not statistically different between groups (P>.05, chi-square test). There was no correlation (Spearman rank coefficient) between laser flare measurements and PCO formation in any group during the study (P>.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Topical instillation of diclofenac, dexamethasone, or a placebo in the immediate period after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation did not seem to influence the formation of PCO 2 years after cataract surgery.
Zaczek
Anna
A
St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Laurell
Carl-Gustaf
CG
Zetterström
Charlotta
C
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D004008:Diclofenac; D003907:Dexamethasone