Purpose: To assess the safety and effectiveness of ketorolac tromethamine 0
.5% (Acular(R)) as a cost-efficient single agent to prevent intraoperative
miosis and postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery.
Methods: Both eyes of 26 patients were randomized to receive Acular preoper
atively and postoperatively or flurbiprofen sodium (Ocufen(R)) preoperative
ly and prednisolone acetate 1% (Pred Forte(R)) postoperatively. Time schedu
led between procedures was from 2 weeks to 1 month. Pupil dilation was meas
ured preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at the end of surgery. Cell and
flare were measured 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively.
Results: A comparison of the Acular and the Ocufen/Pred Forte groups (n=22)
showed no statistically significant differences in dilation (preoperative
versus postpostoperative) or cell and flare postoperatively.
Conclusion: Using Acular as a single agent was as effective as the combinat
ion Of preoperative Ocufen and postoperative Pred Forte in preventing intra
operative miosis and postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery. The us
e of Acular as a single agent could save the expense of using separate anti
-inflammatory and antimiotic preparations preoperatively and postoperativel
y, enhancing convenience for the surgeon and surgical facility. J Cataract
Refract Surg 2000; 26:1225-1227 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.