DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS DICLOFENAC SODIUM EYEDROPS TO TREAT INFLAMMATIONAFTER CATARACT-SURGERY

We compared the postoperative anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac s odium 0.1% and dexamethasone phosphate 0.1% in a prospective, randomiz ed, double-masked pilot study. Anterior chamber inflammation was evalu ated by measuring aqueous flare and cells with a laser flare-cell mete r at one, three, 12, 30, and 60 days after cataract surgery. Flare val ues in the two groups did not significantly differ at any time, nor di d aqueous cell counts at one, three, 1 2, and 60 days after surgery. A t 30 days, however, cell count was significantly lower in the diclofen ac group. Diclofenac sodium seems to be as potent as dexamethasone pho sphate, as good an anti-inflammatory agent, and may replace corticoste roid therapy after cataract surgery.