Prednisolone and Ketorolac vs Ketorolac Monotherapy or Sub-Tenon Prophylaxis for Macular Thickening in Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Prophylactic regimens for the prevention of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a known complication of cataract surgery that contributes to decreased visual acuity. Mechanical manipulation associated with the release of inflammatory mediators is the leading hypothesis for PCME. To date, no standardized prophylactic protocol has been established to effectively reduce the incidence of PCME. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids for the prevention of PCME.

METHOD

We searched the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Register of Controlled Trials and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the efficacy of NSAID vs. placebo, NSAID vs. steroid, or NSAID + steroid vs. placebo, reporting the incidence of PCME, macular thickness, and best-corrected visual acuity. The risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a random-effects model was used. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

A total of 18 RCTs were included in this study (n = 2959). Nine RCT showed low risk of bias, 7 RCT showed unclear risk of bias, and 2 RCT had high risk of bias. The incidence of cystoid macular edema among patients treated with NSAIDs was significantly lower (RR = 0.33, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant low risk of edema among patients treated with NSAIDs alone (P < 0.001) compared to others. NSAIDs were associated with significantly low mean corrected visual acuity values using LogMar (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

NSAID alone or in combination with steroids showed its efficacy in reducing the incidence of PCME post-operatively. Future double-blind randomized controlled trials are required to standardize the protocol for different patient population.

Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert versus Standard Topical Steroids for the Prophylaxis of Inflammation after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of an intracanalicular dexamethasone intracanalicular insert (DII) to a topical prednisolone acetate 1% taper for preventing breakthrough inflammation (iritis or cystoid macular edema) during the first post-operative month (POM1) after cataract surgery DESIGN: Retrospective, non-randomized comparative interventional study METHODS: Patients received either DII or topical prednisolone acetate 1% eyedrops (control) during POM1. Exclusion criteria included history of iritis, glaucoma, intraoperative posterior capsular rupture or vitreous prolapse, immediate postoperative anterior chamber inflammation requiring treatment, or less than 1 month follow up post-operatively. Outcomes included development of breakthrough inflammation after >3 days postoperatively necessitating additional anti-inflammatory drops, cystoid macular edema, and increased intraocular pressure at POM1.

RESULTS

266 eyes of 174 patients were included in the DII group, and 258 eyes of 167 patients in the control group. Demographics, comorbidities, and baseline IOP were comparable between groups. The breakthrough inflammation rate was significantly higher in the DII group compared to control (9.0% vs 3.1%; p < .01); cystoid macular edema rates were similar between groups (4.9% vs 4.3%; p = .75). There were no cases of increased IOP >10mmHg at POM1 compared to baseline in either group.

CONCLUSION

After cataract surgery, DII demonstrated a higher rate of breakthrough inflammation than a standard topical steroid regimen with no significant differences in CME rate or IOP increase; however, overall, the rate of postoperative complications was low. DII can be a safe and effective alternative to topical corticosteroid therapy after cataract surgery.

Fill levels, cost comparisons, and expulsion force requirements of commonly used topical ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

PURPOSE

To determine volume fill levels, estimated costs, and force expulsion requirements per bottle of topical ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly perioperatively in the United States.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

DESIGN

Prospective laboratory investigation.

METHODS

8 commercially available NSAIDs (3 branded, 5 generic) were tested: branded bromfenac 0.07%, generic bromfenac 0.09%, diclofenac 0.1%, flurbiprofen 0.03%, generic ketorolac 0.5%, branded ketorolac 0.5%, ketorolac 0.47%, and branded nepafenac 0.3%. 10 bottles of each medication were tested, with an additional bottle tested for expulsion force requirements. A double-blinded method was used to measure the actual bottle fill volume and number of drops per bottle. The total cost per drop was calculated using published cash prices. Force requirements were measured using a customized force gauge apparatus. Formulations were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by pairwise comparisons with the Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Fligner Method.

RESULTS

2 branded NSAIDs (bromfenac and nepafenac) had slightly lower-than-sticker volumes while generics other than ketorolac had higher-than-sticker volumes. Diclofenac and branded bromfenac had the highest and lowest adjusted number of drops respectively. Generic bromfenac and generic ketorolac had the highest and lowest adjusted volume compared with sticker volume respectively. Branded bromfenac was the most expensive medication, while generic diclofenac was the least expensive. Force expulsion requirements varied significantly among generic and branded NSAIDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Volume fill levels, patient-incurred costs, and expulsion force requirements per bottle of topical NSAID medications vary significantly. Surgeons may wish to consider these factors when deciding how best to use these medications perioperatively.

Management of inflammation after the cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review most recent studies and clinical trials regarding pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of inflammation after the cataract surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

FLACS gave opportunity to evaluate inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humour right after the laser procedure, which led to acknowledging the inflammation pathogenesis during the phacoemulsification. Although there is still a lack of evidence, which would prove the long-term benefit of NSAIDs, they are indicated and effective when risk factors for PCME are present. PREMED studies showed that combination of NSAID and steroids after the surgery for healthy subjects is cost-effective. The triamcinolone injection together with topical steroids and NSAIDs for diabetic patients after the cataract surgery was the most cost-effective in preventing PCME according to the PREMED. Dropless cataract surgery is another emerging topic: dexamethasone implants and suspensions look promising as we await more clinical trials with drug-loaded IOLs.

SUMMARY

Inflammation after the cataract surgery can be prevented, and these methods are one of the most essential topics with growing phacoemulsification rate. Topical NSAIDs are cost-effective not only for patients with risk factors for PCME but also for healthy subjects. New dropless techniques are being successfully introduced in the clinical practice.