The effect of pre-operative topical flurbiprofen or diclofenac on pupil dilatation.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the clinical benefit and relative efficacy of pre-operative diclofenac and flurbiprofen drops in routine cataract surgery.

METHODS:

Fifty-two patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with lens implantation were randomised in a double-masked study to compare the efficacy of diclofenac, flurbiprofen and placebo drops in maintaining per-operative mydriasis and reducing post-operative inflammation. Balanced salt solution containing adrenaline was used in all patients. Pupil size was measured prior to the corneal section and after the completion of the operation. The degree of pain, redness, flare and cells in the anterior chamber and intraocular pressure were recorded on the day after surgery. The three groups were analysed with respect to change in pupil size, intraocular pressure and degree of inflammation.

RESULTS:

The change in pupil size was significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.01), there being a smaller decrease in the treatment groups compared with the placebo group and in the diclofenac treatment group compared with the flurbiprofen treatment group. Significantly less post-operative redness was recorded in the diclofenac treatment group compared with the other groups (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between the groups as regards anterior chamber cells, flare or intraocular pressure change.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pre-operative diclofenac and flurbiprofen drops are effective in maintaining intraoperative mydriasis. Diclofenac reduces post-operative redness on day 1. These effects are of debatable clinical benefit.

• Authors: V T Thaller, M K Kulshrestha, K Bell
• Journal: Eye (London, England) (Eye (Lond)) Vol. 14 ( Pt 4) Pg. 642-5 (Aug 2000) ISSN: 0950-222X [Print] England
• PMID: 11040914 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Mydriatics
• Diclofenac
• Flurbiprofen

Topics

• Adult
• Analysis of Variance
• Anterior Chamber
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (pharmacology)
• Cataract Extraction
• Diclofenac (pharmacology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Endophthalmitis (prevention & control)
• Flurbiprofen (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Mydriatics (pharmacology)
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Premedication
• Pupil (drug effects, physiology)