Penetration of topical indomethacin into subretinal fluid of patients with retinal detachments. Case report.

Abstract

To the Editor. —Cystoid macular edema is a significant problem after retinal detachment surgery.1In view of the recent interest in topical indomethacin in the treatment of postoperative cystoid macular edema, we have attempted to study the penetration of topical indomethacin into subretinal fluid.2 Patients and Methods. —Nine consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were evaluated. Four patients were phakic and five patients were aphakic. One patient required reoperation and was therefore included in the study twice. During the preoperative period, six patients received topical indomethacin, two drops every hour until surgery. The nasal lacrimal duct was compressed for three minutes. No other drops were administered at close intervals to the indomethacin instillation. The time of administration varied from four to 24 hours, depending on readiness of the patient and the operating room staff for emergency procedure. The number of hours in each case is recorded in Patients