Ketorolac-tobramycin combination vs fluorometholone-tobramycin combinationin reducing inflammation following phacoemulsification cataract extractionwith scleral tunnel incision

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ketor olac-tobramycin combination with fluorometholone-tobramycin combination in the control of ocular inflammation after endocapsular phacoemulsification c ataract surgery with scleral tunnel incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, investigator mask ed, 2-week, single-center study. Ocular examinations were carried out preop eratively and postoperatively on days 1 (baseline), 2, 3, 7, and 14. There were 60 patients (30 in each treatment group) undergoing uncomplicated cata ract-lens implant surgery enrolled and randomized in the study. The baselin e parameters were similar in the two study groups. At each visit comprehens ive ocular examinations were performed and a 4-point (0 to 3) grading syste m was used to record findings of the burning/stinging sensation, blurred vi sion, ocular discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia, anterior chamber flare, an d anterior chamber cells. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the trea tment groups in the findings of the ocular inflammation at any of the posto perative visits. Both treatments were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ketorolac may be an alternative to so me corticosteroids (fluorometholone). It is generally accepted that fluorom etholone is not as potent an anti-inflammatory as prednisolone the most com monly used steroid following cataract extraction.