Comparison of peroperative subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone and standard postoperative steroid drops after uneventful cataract surgery

• PurposeTo compare the safety and efficacy of a single subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone and a standard postoperative steroid regimen in terms of intraocular inflammation and intraocular pressure (IOP) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery. MethodsTwo groups of 25 patients each were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients in the injection group were given a subconjunctival injection of 20mg methylprednisolone and the topical group received the conventional postoperative care with steroid eye drops (dexamethasone 1mg/ml). The patients were examined 1week and 1month after surgery. Slit-lamp evaluation of anterior chamber inflammation and IOP were performed. Changes in IOP of 2.4mmHg were considered clinically relevant. ResultsIn the injection group, mean IOP decreased from 15.42.2mmHg (baseline) to 14.1 +/- 3.2mmHg at 1week (p=0.03). The topical group had a stable IOP at 1week (16.3 +/- 2.6mmHg) compared to baseline (16.1 +/- 2.7mmHg; p=0.74). At 1month, mean IOP was 14.3 +/- 2.6mmHg (p=0.03) in the injection group and 15.6 +/- 2.3mmHg (p=0.2) in the topical group. The intragroup changes were neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant at any postoperative visit. Both groups had the highest values of intraocular inflammation at the 1-week postoperative visit, followed by a decline to barely traceable levels at 1month. The difference was not clinically relevant at any postoperative visit. ConclusionsThe subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone appears to be as safe and effective as the conventional treatment, and it might therefore be considered for treatment of individuals with compliance issues.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oftalmologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Ophthalmology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

cataract

intraocular pressure

methylprednisolone

phacoemulsification

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