Acular as a single agent for use as an antimiotic and anti-inflammatory in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and effectiveness of ketorolac tromethamine 0. 5% (Acular) 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 preoperatively and postoperatively or flurbiprofen sodium (Ocufen) preoperatively and prednisolone acetate 1% (Pred Forte) postoperatively. Time scheduled between procedures was from 2 weeks to 1 month. Pupil dilation was measured 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.

CONCLUSIONS

Using Acular as a single agent was as effective as the combination of preoperative Ocufen and postoperative Pred Forte in preventing intraoperative miosis and postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery. The use of Acular as a single agent could save the expense of using separate anti-inflammatory and antimiotic preparations preoperatively and postoperatively, enhancing convenience for the surgeon and surgical facility.