Ketorolac-tobramycin combination vs fluorometholone-tobramycin combination in reducing inflammation following phacoemulsification cataract extraction with scleral tunnel incision

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ketorolac-tobramycin combination with fluorometholone-tobramycin combination in the control of ocular inflammation after endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery with scleral tunnel incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, investigator masked, 2-week, single-center study. Ocular examinations were carried out preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1 (baseline), 2, 3, 7, and 14. There were 60 patients (30 in each treatment group) undergoing uncomplicated cataract-lens implant surgery enrolled and randomized in the study. The baseline parameters were similar in the two study groups. At each visit comprehensive ocular examinations were performed and a 4-point (0 to 3) grading system was used to record findings of the burning/stinging sensation, blurred vision, ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia, anterior chamber flare, and anterior chamber cells. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in the findings of the ocular inflammation at any of the postoperative visits. Both treatments were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ketorolac may be an alternative to some corticosteroids (fluorometholone). It is generally accepted that fluorometholone is not as potent an anti-inflammatory as prednisolone the most commonly used steroid following cataract extraction.