Comparison of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% and rimexolone 1% to control inflammation after cataract extraction. Prospective randomized double-masked study

Factors influencing aqueous flare after cataract surgery and its evaluation with laser flare photometry

Despite the refinement of modern cataract surgery, postoperative inflammation still constitutes a substantial amount of visual morbidity worldwide. A surrogate for intraocular inflammation and blood-aqueous barrier breakdown can be objectively quantified by Laser flare photometry (LFP). This review outlines the utility of LFP in assessing the assessment of post-cataract surgery inflammation. It highlights the impact of preoperative pathological states such as uveitis and diabetes, intraoperative techniques, including efficient phacoemulsification and direct comparisons between postoperative anti-inflammatory regimes. There is a large interobserver variation in the subjective flare measurement after cataract surgery and the continued use of LFP amongst other objective, noninvasive measurements of intraocular inflammation, particularly in the further development of cataract surgery, is recommended.

Transzonular Triamcinolone-Moxifloxacin Versus Topical Drops for the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Inflammation After Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of an intraoperative transzonular injection of triamcinolone-moxifloxacin (Imprimis' Tri-Moxi 15 mg/1 mg/mL) to topical drops in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: Between January 2017 and October 2017, patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery by a single surgeon at the Penn State Eye Center were offered a single intraoperative injection of transzonular triamcinolone-moxifloxacin in lieu of perioperative drops. Between November 2017 and July 2018, the transzonular injection was not offered, and all patients who underwent surgery by the same surgeon received a drop regimen consisting of polymyxin b/trimethoprim and prednisolone acetate 1%. Patients were seen 1 day, 1 week, and 6-9 weeks postoperatively. Outcome measures included incidence of intraoperative complications, postoperative breakthrough inflammation, cystoid macular edema, and infectious sequela. Results: Of the 198 eyes, 99 from 73 patients received the injection and 99 from 82 patients received topical drops. One (1%) intraoperative posterior capsule tear occurred in each group. Eleven (11.1%) eyes in the injection group and 3 (3%) in the drop group experienced symptomatic breakthrough inflammation necessitating treatment (P = 0.0488). One (1%) eye in the injection group and zero (0%) in the drop group developed clinically significant macular edema (P = 1.0). No instances of elevated intraocular pressure or infectious sequela occurred in either group (P = 1.0). Conclusions: Transzonular injection of triamcinolone-moxifloxacin may be associated with an increased incidence of breakthrough inflammation compared to topical drops.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus corticosteroids for controlling inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataract surgery is commonly performed but can result in postoperative inflammation of the eye. Inadequately controlled inflammation increases the risk of complications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are used to prevent and reduce inflammation following cataract surgery, but these two drug classes work by different mechanisms. Corticosteroids are effective, but NSAIDs may provide an additional benefit to reduce inflammation when given in combination with corticosteroids. A comparison of NSAIDs to corticosteroids alone or combination therapy with these two anti-inflammatory agents will help to determine the role of NSAIDs in controlling inflammation after routine cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of topical NSAIDs (alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids) versus topical corticosteroids alone in controlling intraocular inflammation after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. To assess postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), patient-reported discomfort, symptoms, or complications (such as elevation of IOP), and cost-effectiveness with the use of postoperative NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

SEARCH METHODS

To identify studies relevant to this review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register (2016, Issue 12), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to December 2016), Embase Ovid (1947 to 16 December 2016), PubMed (1948 to December 2016), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database) (1982 to 16 December 2016), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com; last searched 17 June 2013), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov; searched December 2016), and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en; searched December 2016).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which participants were undergoing phacoemulsification for uncomplicated cataract extraction. We included both trials in which topical NSAIDs were compared with topical corticosteroids and trials in which combination therapy (topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids) was compared with topical corticosteroids alone. The primary outcomes for this review were inflammation and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the full-text articles, extracted data from included trials, and assessed included trials for risk of bias according to Cochrane standards. The two review authors resolved any disagreements by discussion. We graded the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 48 RCTs conducted in 17 different countries and two ongoing studies. Ten included studies had a trial registry record. Fifteen studies compared an NSAID with a corticosteroid alone, and 19 studies compared a combination of an NSAID plus a corticosteroid with a corticosteroid alone. Fourteen other studies had more than two study arms. Overall, we judged the studies to be at unclear risk of bias. NSAIDs alone versus corticosteroids aloneNone of the included studies reported postoperative intraocular inflammation in terms of cells and flare as a dichotomous variable. Inflammation was reported as a continuous variable in seven studies. There was moderate-certainty evidence of no difference in mean cell value in the participants receiving an NSAID compared with the participants receiving a corticosteroid (mean difference (MD) -0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.19 to 0.99), and there was low-certainty evidence that the mean flare value was lower in the group receiving NSAIDs (MD -13.74, 95% CI -21.45 to -6.04). Only one study reported on corneal edema at one week postoperatively and there was uncertainty as to whether the risk of edema was higher or lower in the group that received NSAIDs (risk ratio (RR) 0.77, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.29). No included studies reported BCVA as a dichotomous outcome and no study reported time to cessation of treatment. None of the included studies reported the proportion of eyes with cystoid macular edema (CME) at one week postoperatively. Based on four RCTs that reported CME at one month, we found low-certainty evidence that participants treated with an NSAID alone had a lower risk of developing CME compared with those treated with a corticosteroid alone (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.41). No studies reported on other adverse events or economic outcomes. NSAIDs plus corticosteroids versus corticosteroids aloneNo study described intraocular inflammation in terms of cells and flare as a dichotomous variable and there was not enough continuous data for anterior chamber cell and flare to perform a meta-analysis. One study reported presence of corneal edema at various times. Postoperative treatment with neither a combination treatment with a NSAID plus corticosteroid or with corticosteroid alone was favored (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.16). We judged this study to have high risk of reporting bias, and the certainty of the evidence was downgraded to moderate. No included study reported the proportion of participants with BCVA better than 20/40 at one week postoperatively or reported time to cessation of treatment. Only one included study reported on the presence of CME at one week after surgery and one study reported on CME at two weeks after surgery. After combining findings from these two studies, we estimated with low-certainty evidence that there was a lower risk of CME in the group that received NSAIDs plus corticosteroids (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.97). Seven RCTs reported the proportion of participants with CME at one month postoperatively; however there was low-certainty evidence of a lower risk of CME in participants receiving an NSAID plus a corticosteroid compared with those receiving a corticosteroid alone (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.06). The few adverse events reported were due to phacoemulsification rather than the eye drops.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found insufficient evidence from this review to inform practice for treatment of postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Based on the RCTs included in this review, we could not conclude the equivalence or superiority of NSAIDs with or without corticosteroids versus corticosteroids alone. There may be some risk reduction of CME in the NSAID-alone group and the combination of NSAID plus corticosteroid group. Future RCTs on these interventions should standardize the type of medication used, dosing, and treatment regimen; data should be collected and presented using the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) outcome measures so that dichotomous outcomes can be analyzed.

Management of mydriasis and pain in cataract and intraocular lens surgery: review of current medications and future directions

The maintenance of mydriasis and the control of postoperative pain and inflammation are critical to the safety and success of cataract and intraocular lens replacement surgery. Appropriate mydriasis is usually achieved by topical and/or intracameral administration of anticholinergic agents, sympathomimetic agents, or both, with the most commonly used being cyclopentolate, tropicamide, and phenylephrine. Ocular inflammation is common after cataract surgery. Topical steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used because they have been proved effective to control postsurgical inflammation and decrease pain. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have also been shown to help maintain dilation. However, use of multiple preoperative drops for pupil dilation, inflammation, and pain control have been shown to be time consuming, resulting in delays to the operating room, and they cause dissatisfaction among perioperative personnel; their use can also be associated with systemic side effects. Therefore, ophthalmologists have been in search of new options to streamline this process. This article will review the current medications commonly used for intraoperative mydriasis, as well as pain and inflammation control. In addition, a new combination of ketorolac, an anti-inflammatory agent, and phenylephrine, a mydriatic agent has recently been designed to maintain intraoperative mydriasis and to reduce postoperative pain and irritation from intraocular lens replacement surgery. Two Phase III clinical trials evaluating this combination have demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared to placebo in maintaining intraoperative mydriasis (P<0.00001) and in reducing pain in the early postoperative period (P=0.0002). This medication may be of benefit for use in cataract and lens replacement surgery in the near future.

Post-cataract prevention of inflammation and macular edema by steroid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Favorable outcome after cataract surgery depends on proper control of the inflammatory response induced by cataract surgery. Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema is an important cause of visual decline after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

DESIGN

We compared the efficacy of topical steroids with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in controlling inflammation and preventing pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing uncomplicated surgery for age-related cataract.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases to identify randomized trials published from 1996 onward comparing topical steroids with topical NSAIDs in controlling inflammation and preventing PCME in patients undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation for age-related cataract.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative inflammation and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

Fifteen randomized trials were identified. Postoperative inflammation was less in patients randomized to NSAIDs. The prevalence of PCME was significantly higher in the steroid group than in the NSAID group: 3.8% versus 25.3% of patients, risk ratio 5.35 (95% confidence interval, 2.94-9.76). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of adverse events in the 2 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found low to moderate quality of evidence that topical NSAIDs are more effective in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery. We found high-quality evidence that topical NSAIDs are more effective than topical steroids in preventing PCME. The use of topical NSAIDs was not associated with an increased events. We recommend using topical NSAIDs to prevent inflammation and PCME after routine cataract surgery.

Ketorolac tromethamine - routes and clinical implications

Opioids have long been used for analgesic purposes for a wide range of procedures. However, the binding of these drugs to opiate receptors has created various challenges to the clinician due to unfavorable side effect profiles and the potential for tolerance and abuse. In 1989, ketorolac became an approved nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (NSAID) for injectable use as an analgesic. Over the last 20 years, numerous studies have been conducted involving ketorolac. These studies have provided additional information about various routes of administration and their effect on the efficacy and the side effect profile of ketorolac. Moreover, ketorolac has been compared with several widely used analgesics. This review evaluates both the potential benefits and potential drawbacks of ketorolac generally, and specifically discusses routes of administration, including their advantages and disadvantages when compared to several traditional analgesics in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Critical appraisal of ophthalmic ketorolac in treatment of pain and inflammation following cataract surgery

Background:

The purpose of this review was to provide a critical appraisal of the literature supporting the efficacy of ophthalmic ketorolac (Acuvail^®) in the treatment of pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.

Methods:

Literature search and expert opinion of the authors.

Results:

Recent studies indicate greater intraocular drug levels in the anterior chamber and iris-ciliary body after topical application of Acuvail in comparison with older formulations of ketorolac. A large randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled study demonstrated significantly less inflammation and pain after cataract surgery using Acuvail.

Conclusion:

Acuvail appears to be effective in reducing post-cataract surgery pain and inflammation.

Efficacy and safety of netilmycin/dexamethasone preservative-free and tobramycin/dexamethasone-preserved fixed combination in patients after cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of preservative-free Netilmycin/Dexamethasone with that of preserved Tobramycin/Dexamethasone, postcataract surgery.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, single-blind study on patients submitted to phacoemulsification. During preoperatory visits, at 7 and 21 days conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, Tyndall, Shirmer I, corneal and conjunctival lissamine green and fluorescein staining, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. Postoperative pain (at day 7) and the subjective tolerability (at day 21) were investigated.

RESULTS

Eighty patients completed the study and the data collected were analyzed (44 on Netilmycin/Dexamethasone). Regarding the primary efficacy variable, intraocular inflammation, no microbial events were recorded, but aqueous flare was significantly lower with Tobramycin/Dexamethasone at 1 week (P = 0.002). Regarding secondary efficacy variables, conjunctival hyperemia was lower in patients under Tobramycin/Dexamethasone (P < 0.001), but corneal edema and ocular pain were similar. Regarding safety, no significant differences on ocular surface status were recorded. Both formulations were well tolerated, but Tobramycin/Dexamethasone caused an increased IOP at 1 week (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the studied fixed combinations are safe and effective in controlling postoperative inflammation and preventing postoperative ocular infections. Tobramycin/Dexamethasone has a quicker anti-inflammatory effect but needs IOP monitoring. Further studies on more patients using a sounder scientific design are needed to confirm our findings.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in ophthalmology

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are increasingly employed in ophthalmology to reduce miosis and inflammation, manage scleritis, and prevent and treat cystoid macular edema associated with cataract surgery. In addition, they may decrease postoperative pain and photophobia associated with refractive surgery and may reduce the itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved new topical NSAIDs, and previously approved NSAIDs have been reformulated. These additions and changes result in different pharmacokinetics and dosing intervals, which may offer therapeutic advantages. For example, therapeutic effects on diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration may now be achievable. We provide an updated review on NSAIDs and a summary of their current uses in ophthalmology with attention to potential future applications.

Inhibition of surgically induced miosis and prevention of postoperative macular edema with nepafenac

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic administration of nepafenac 0.1% in maintaining mydriasis and in preventing postoperative macular edema following cataract surgery.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, single-masked comparative study in 60 patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Patients were randomized to either the nepafenac or the control group. Nepafenac was administered 3 times daily 1 day before surgery and continued for 6 weeks. The control group received tobramycin-dexamethasone treatment only. Trans-operative mydriasis was measured before surgery, after nuclear emulsification, following cortex aspiration, and at the conclusion of surgery. Macular optical coherence tomography determined central foveal thickness (FT) and total macular volume (TMV) before surgery and at 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. All patients received tobramycin-dexamethasone for 2 weeks after surgery.

Results:

The difference in mean pupil size, at the end of surgery, between the control group (6.84 ± 0.93 mm) and the nepafenac group (7.91 ± 0.74 mm) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in FT values between the two groups at any time point; however, TMV at 2 and at 6 weeks was statistically significantly different (p < 0.001), with higher TMV in the control group.

Conclusion:

Prophylactic use of nepafenac was effective in reducing macular edema after cataract surgery and in maintaining trans-operative mydriasis.

Aqueous prostaglandin E(2) of cataract patients at trough ketorolac and bromfenac levels after 2 days dosing

INTRODUCTION

Ketorolac 0.4% administered four times daily (q.i.d.) has long been used safely and effectively for the alleviation of ocular inflamation and pain and the prevention of intraoperative miosis in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% was recently developed as an ocular anti-inflammatory drug with a twice-daily (b.i.d.) dosing regimen. This study was designed to evaluate if b.i.d. dosing with bromfenac 0.09%, in comparison with q.i.d. dosing with ketorolac 0.4%, provides adequate trough nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug levels that were effective enough to reduce aqueous prostaglandin (PG) E(2) levels of patients after cataract surgery toward the end of its dosing cycle.

METHODS

In this single-center, investigator-masked trial, patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to receive either ketorolac 0.4% q.i.d. or bromfenac 0.09% b.i.d. for 2 days preoperatively. Aqueous humor was collected at the start of surgery 6 hours after the last dose of ketorolac 0.4% and 12 hours after the last dose of bromfenac 0.09%. Aqueous PGE(2) levels and drug concentrations were evaluated by a competitive enzyme immunoassay and reverse-phase HPLC-mass spectroscopy, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients received ketorolac 0.4% (n=30) or bromfenac 0.09% (n=31). The mean (+/-SD) aqueous PGE(2) level was 285.6+/-141.9 pg/mL in patients treated with ketorolac 0.4% and 386.2+/-131.0 pg/mL in patients treated with bromfenac 0.09% (P=0.006). The mean (+/-SD) aqueous concentrations of ketorolac and bromfenac were 83.6+/-73.8 ng/mL and 9.2+/-6.6 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac 0.4% maintained significantly higher aqueous concentrations and lowered aqueous PGE(2) levels significantly more than bromfenac 0.09% at trough levels. Ketorolac 0.4% administered q.i.d. may provide a more sustained control of intraocular inflammation and pain than bromfenac 0.09% administered b.i.d.

Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.1% for the prevention and treatment of ocular inflammation associated with cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To determine whether nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.1% decreases the incidence and severity of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

SETTING

Twenty-one ophthalmology clinics in the United States.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind vehicle-controlled trial was conducted in which adult patients were randomly assigned to receive nepafenac 0.1% or vehicle beginning 1 day before surgery and continuing on the day of surgery (day 0) for 14 days. Patients were evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients cured at day 14 (cure defined as aqueous cells score + aqueous flare score = 0). Other efficacy variables included percentage of patients who were pain free at all visits and aqueous cells, flare, and cells plus flare scores.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 476 patients (243 nepafenac, 233 vehicle) was 70 years (range 27 to 93 years). At day 14, 152 patients (62.6%) in the nepafenac group and 40 (17.2%) in the vehicle group were cured (P<.0001). A higher percentage of patients in the nepafenac group was pain free at all visits (P<.0001). Throughout the study, most nepafenac-treated patients were pain free (83.1% to 93.0%) compared with less than half the vehicle-treated patients (41.6% to 46.4%). The nepafenac group had lower mean aqueous cells, flare, and cells plus flare scores at all visits (P<.0001). No treatment-related ocular adverse events occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.1% was safe and effective for preventing and treating ocular inflammation and pain associated with cataract surgery.

Evaluation of 0.4% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution versus 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and patient tolerance of 0.4% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution and 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution after routine phacoemulsification and lens implantation.

SETTING

The setting for this study was the Storm Eye Institute and Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC).

METHODS

This work was a prospective, double-masked study that included 40 eyes of 40 patients randomly assigned to receive topical treatment with 0.4% ketorolac or 0.5% ketorolac, starting 15 min prior to routine phacoemulsification and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Following the procedure, patients were instructed to use the assigned treatment agent 4 times a day after surgery for 1 week and twice a day for 3 weeks, when drops were discontinued. Slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), laser cell and flare measurements, and subjective patient tolerance were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 7, and 30 d. Comparisons between the 2 groups were made at each visit, as well as comparisons to baseline. A P=value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

At day 1, a higher percentage of patients (70% vs. 40%) reported symptoms (mainly foreign body sensation and stinging/burning) in the 0.5% ketorolac group, compared to the 0.4% ketorolac group. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups over time regarding best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, slit-lamp assessment of cells, and cell and flare measured using the laser cell/flare meter.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with 0.4% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution is as effective as 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution in reducing inflammation after routine cataract surgery. Patients reported less discomfort using 0.4% ketorolac.

An update on the use of ophthalmic ketorolac tromethamine 0.4%

Ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution, a recent reformulation of the original ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% solution, is indicated for the reduction of ocular pain and burning/stinging following cataract and refractive surgery. Studies have demonstrated that ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% has equivalent efficacy to ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% in reducing postsurgical inflammation and controlling pain. Several studies have demonstrated that, as well as reducing pain and ocular inflammation, ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% effectively treats cystoid macular oedema, inhibits miosis and may prevent cystoid macular oedema when used both pre- and postoperatively. Ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% is a versatile agent and is effective when used as either monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy to steroids.

Comparison of prednisolone 1%, rimexolone 1% and ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% after cataract extraction

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy, safety and patient comfort of two topical steroids (prednisolone 1% and rimexolone 1%) and a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (ketorolac tromethamine 0.5%) after extracapsular cataract extraction.

METHODS

Forty-five patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. They were assigned to receive topical treatment with either prednisolone, rimexolone or ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution after phacoemulsification for cataract extraction. On postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 14 and 28 best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment and report of the patients' comfort were assessed and compared by Friedman rank time analysis.

RESULTS

Regarding the primary outcome efficacy of inflammation control the assessment of cells did not differ (p=0.165), while flare in the anterior chamber was lowest (p=0.008) in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) group. Surface inflammation was lowest with prednisolone (p=0.002). Regarding safety, visual acuity did not differ among the groups. In the prednisolone group one patient, however, responded to steroid treatment with elevated IOP and had to be excluded. In the remaining patients IOP was even lower in the two steroidal treatment groups than with ketorolac (p=0.030). One patient receiving ketorolac had to be excluded because a corneal erosion developed. Patient comfort was highest with prednisolone (p=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac tromethamine provides good control of intraocular inflammation after cataract extraction without the risk of a steroidal IOP increase, which was also not observed under rimexolone therapy. The best surface inflammation control and patient comfort was observed with prednisolone, which remains a good choice.

Safety and efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution in post-photorefractive keratectomy patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution in postoperative photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) patients.

SETTING

Fifteen clinical sites in the eastern and southern United States.

METHODS

This pooled analysis of 2 multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group studies comprised 313 patients having unilateral PRK. After surgery, patients were treated with 1 drop of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution (Acular(R) LS) (n = 156) or vehicle (n = 157) 4 times daily for up to 4 days. Pain intensity, pain relief, use of escape medication, and severity of ocular symptoms were assessed. Adverse events, epithelial healing, and visual acuity were recorded.

RESULTS

There was significantly less pain intensity experienced by patients in the ketorolac group (P<.001). During the first 12 hours post PRK, 50% fewer patients in the ketorolac group than in the vehicle group had severe to intolerable pain (41.6% [64/154] and 84.5% [131/155], respectively). The median time to no pain was 30 hours in the ketorolac group and 54 hours in the vehicle group (P<.001, survival analysis). Ketorolac patients reported significantly greater pain relief than vehicle patients throughout the study (P<.001). Ketorolac patients used significantly less escape medication than vehicle patients for 48 hours post PRK (P< or =.008). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 2.6% (4/156) of ketorolac patients and 6.4% (10/157) of vehicle patients.

CONCLUSION

Ketorolac 0.4% ophthalmic solution is safe and effective in reducing ocular pain when used 4 times daily for up to 4 days post PRK.

Comparison of topical tobramycin—dexamethasone with dexamethasone—neomycin—polymyxin and neomycin—polymyxin—gramicidin for control of inflammation after cataract surgery: Results of a multicenter, prospective, three-arm, randomized, double-masked, controlled, parallel-group study

BACKGROUND

Intraocular inflammation is typically treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-infective drugs. Tobramycin-dexamethasone (TD) has not been associated with any serious adverse events, indicating good tolerability.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were the following: (1) to demonstrate noninferiority of TD compared with dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin (DNP) in terms of anti-inflammatory efficacy, (2) to compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy of TD and DNP with that of a "placebo" control (antibiotic without anti-inflammatory agent), and (3) to provide additional safety data on TD.

METHODS

This prospective, double-masked, parallel-group study was conducted at 22 ophthalmology clinics across Europe and Brazil. Patients aged > 18 years undergoing cataract surgery were randomly assigned, in a 2:2:1 ratio, to receive tobramycin 3 mg/mL plus dexamethasone 1 mg/mL, dexamethasone 1 mg/mL plus neomycin sulfate 3500 IU/mL plus polymyxin B sulfate 6000 IU/mL, or neomycin sulfate 3500 IU/mL plus polymyxin B sulfate 7500 IU/mL plus gramicidin 20 microg/mL. All treatments were given as 1 drop instilled in the operated eye q.i.d. for 21 days. The primary efficacy end point, intraocular inflammation (determined using the sum of scores on anterior chamber cells and aqueous flare), was assessed at days 3, 8, 14, and 21 after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 271 patients were enrolled (158 women, 113 men; age range 42-90 years) (TD, 104 patients; DNP, 110 patients; and neomycin-polymyxin-gramicidin [NPG], 57 patients). Intraocular inflammation was similar in the TD and DNP groups at all time points. At days 8, 14, and 21, inflammation scores were significantly lower with TD than with NPG (all, P < 0.05). At day 8, the inflammation score was significantly lower with DNP than with NPG (P < 0.05). A greater number of patients receiving NPG experienced treatment-related ocular allergic reactions compared with patients receiving TD (P < 0.05). One patient receiving TD (1.0%) and 5 given NPG (9.0%) were withdrawn due to ocular allergic reactions. None of the patients experienced an increase in intraocular pressure > or =10 mm Hg from baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients undergoing cataract surgery combination therapy with TD was noninferior to DNP and was well tolerated.

Prophylactic Effectiveness of Tobramycin-Dexamethasone Eye Drops Compared with Tobramycin/Vehicle Eye Drops in Controlling Post-Surgical Inflammation in Cataract Patients

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the superiority of TobraDex((R)) (tobramycin 3 mg/mL, dexamethasone 1 mg/mL) eye drops over Tobrex((R)) (tobramycin 3 mg/mL)/vehicle (placebo) eye drops in the prophylaxis of inflammation after cataract surgery, and to provide additional safety data on TobraDex((R)).

SETTING

Twenty-two ophthalmology clinics from Brazil, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective, randomised, double-masked, two-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre study in 417 patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Patients were randomised (1 : 1) to TobraDex((R)) or to Tobrex((R))/vehicle. One drop of TobraDex((R)) or Tobrex((R)) was instilled in the operative eye (four times daily) on the day before surgery (day -1), one drop immediately following surgery in the operated eye (day 0), and then treatment (four times daily) was continued until day 7 (inclusive). From day 8 through day 21, patients in the TobraDex((R)) group continued with the same treatment, but patients in the Tobrex((R))/vehicle arm received the inactive ingredient only. Efficacy was assessed at 1, 3, 8, 14 and 21 days. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients without post-surgical anterior chamber inflammation (i.e. with a sum of cells and flare scores of zero) on the day 8 visit.

RESULTS

TobraDex((R)) was significantly better (p < 0.05) than Tobrex((R))/vehicle in controlling post-surgical inflammation at day 8 as shown by the percentage of patients with an inflammation score of zero (51% vs 21%, respectively). The percentage of patients with treatment failure was 4% vs 16% (p < 0.001) in favour of TobraDex((R)). In the safety population (n = 415), 19% of patients reported a total of 52 adverse events while receiving TobraDex((R)) and 35.3% patients reported 103 adverse events while receiving Tobrex((R))/vehicle. One patient receiving Tobrex((R))/vehicle discontinued the study due to an ocular allergic reaction. No patient experienced clinically relevant changes in visual acuity, fundus parameters, cup/disc ratio or intraocular pressure related to treatment following the day of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

TobraDex((R)) eye drops were superior to Tobrex((R))/vehicle in controlling post-surgical inflammation following cataract extraction. TobraDex((R)) administered four times daily over 21 days post-surgery was safe and well tolerated in patients treated for the prevention of post-surgical inflammation following cataract extraction.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy in ophthalmology

Topically applied nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the management and prevention of ocular inflammation and cystoid macular edema related to cataract surgery and the maintenance of mydriasis during cataract surgery. Other common uses are the reduction of discomfort after refractive surgery or in allergic conjunctivitis. NSAIDs primarily act as cyclooxygenase inhibitors and thus reduce the formation of endogenous PGs. Today, several NSAIDs are commercially available: diclofenac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac and suprofen. At present the ophthalmologist has to make a decision between the use of topical corticosteroids, with their potential adverse effects, or of topical NSAIDs, with their possibly increased benefit, unknown effect on ocular pressure, wound healing and corneal tissue, higher costs and limited track record. However, the improvement of surgical techniques might support an increasing use of NSAIDs in the future. Preoperative anti-inflammatory treatment should be considered in eyes at a higher risk of developing severe postoperative inflammatory reactions. This decision has to be made carefully and has to be guided by the clinical circumstances, the spectrum of diagnosis and the individual benefit-risk ratio of each patient.

Comparison of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% and loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for inflammation after phacoemulsification: prospective randomized double-masked study

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of a topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5%) and a topical steroid (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5%) in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery.

SETTING

Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS

Sixty patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to receive topical treatment with ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5% or loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% starting the day after routine phacoemulsification for cataract extraction. Both patient and investigator were masked to treatment. All patients had uneventful small-incision phacoemulsification with placement of a foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). Patients used 1 of the 2 antiinflammatory agents 4 times a day starting 24 hours after surgery. Signs and symptoms of inflammation as documented by external slitlamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), and Kowa cell and flare measurements were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 4, 7, and 30.

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 or in IOP between groups. No patient in either group was removed from the study for lack of treatment efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5% was as effective as loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% in reducing inflammation after routine phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. These results suggest that ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% is a safe and effective antiinflammatory alternative to steroids after cataract extraction.