Impact of prednisolone, dexamethasone, and fluorometholone eye drops on intraocular pressure in patients post-cataract surgery: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

After cataract surgery, topical corticosteroids are prescribed for inflammation reduction, but prolonged use may lead to side effects like steroid-induced glaucoma. These steroids can elevate intraocular pressure (IOP), and if elevated IOP isn't promptly addressed, it may advance to glaucoma. Vigilant monitoring of IOP changes is crucial for early detection and intervention, forming the basis for this study.The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the impact of post-cataract surgery administration of eye drops containing prednisolone, dexamethasone, and fluramethalone on Intra-Ocular pressure (IOP) in patients. Seventy-five patients were randomly allocated to three groups, each comprising thirty individuals. Participants were administered prednisolone, dexamethasone, and fluramethalone eye drops, respectively, with a tapered dosage over a 42-day period. The study involved documenting intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements both before and after the surgery. Subsequently, patients were monitored for a duration of three months. Among the 75 patients, approximately 5.77% (n = 4) exhibited an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥10 mmHg from their baseline. A moderate elevation in IOP (≥5 mmHg) was observed in about 13.44% (n = 13) of the patients. Notably, a clinically significant rise in IOP, defined as an increase of ≥10 mmHg and an overall IOP of ≥20 mmHg, occurred in 4.98% (n = 4) of the patients, all of whom were in the fluramethalone group. The mean post-operative IOP differed significantly among the three treatment groups. Fluromethalone possesses a heightened propensity to induce an early and substantial increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), necessitating careful and vigilant usage with continuous monitoring.