A comparative study between topical ophthalmic nepafenac (0.1%) and ketorolac (0.5%) for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in postoperative senile cataract patients attending a tertiary care center in West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Ocular inflammation, which is common after cataract surgery, may cause patients to have postoperative pain and photophobia. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be clinically effective in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery. Aim: The present study aims to compare topical ophthalmic nepafenac (0.1%) and ketorolac (0.5%) for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in postoperative senile cataract patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 212 patients were included in the study and randomly allocated in two equal groups to receive either nepafenac (0.1%) or ketorolac (0.5%). Patients underwent cataract extraction on the scheduled date by manual small incision cataract extraction. The drug application was started on the day of operation. For both the groups, the drug was applied thrice daily. The ocular parameters were observed and noted down according to group assigned successively on day 1, day 3, day 7, day 14, and day 28. Results: There was no significant difference between the two drugs as far as visual acuity, and intraocular pressure outcome was concerned. The effect of nepafenac (0.1%) on anterior chamber cells and flare was more than ketorolac (0.5%) during 1st week (up to day 7), but at the end of the observation period (28 days), the effect was similar with both drugs. In nepafenac (0.1%) group, higher percentage of patients was free from pain and ocular discomfort than that of ketorolac (0.5%) group throughout the observation period. Conclusion: Nepafenac (0.1%) was found superior than ketorolac (0.5%) in dealing with ocular discomfort and pain and with respect to early recovery from anterior chamber inflammation.