Comparative evaluation of the antiinflammatory effect of topical 0.1% dexamethasone sodium and topical 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops after small incision cataract surgery in Indian eyes

Comparative analysis of the post-operative anti-inflammatory effect of topical 0.1% dexamethasone sodium eye drops, topical 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops and difluprednate 0.05% topical eye drops after small incision cataract surgery at a tertiary eye care institute in India

“…Post-cataract surgery inflammation despite all the recent advances is a common cause of patient discomfort, delayed recovery and reduced visual outcome affecting the patients quality of life. 10 The degree of post operative inflammation varies among patients due to patient factors like type of cataract operated, prior treatment with prostaglandins for glaucoma, recurrent h/o of uveitis, h/o evaporative dry eyes or systemic comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes. Disruption of the blood aqueous barrier (BAB), due to the physical trauma of the surgery can induce an inflammatory response leading to release of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and various cytokines which along the way further activate many macrophages, T cells neutrophils which further release chemical mediators.…”

“…Disruption of the blood aqueous barrier (BAB), due to the physical trauma of the surgery can induce an inflammatory response leading to release of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and various cytokines which along the way further activate many macrophages, T cells neutrophils which further release chemical mediators. 10,11 These chemical mediators released from the arachidonic acid pathway trickle down onto the retina and further incite inflammation leading to more grave complications and vision deficits due to persistent cystoid macular edema. Other localized signs of inflammation following cataract surgery presents as aqueous flare due to protein exudation and inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, associated with hyperaemia, miosis, corneal oedema, fibroblast proliferation and scar formation.…”