Use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as part of perioperative cataract surgery care

Abstract

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, but it is reversible in almost 100% of cases. Activation of the immune system and the intensive production of the prostaglandins following the cataract surgery may induce clinical symptoms including redness, miosis, decreased visual acuity, eye pain and cystoid macular edema (CME). CME is the main cause of reduced visual acuity after an uncomplicated cataract surgery. In order to reduce ailments, increase comfort and prevent complications, patients receive local anti-inflammatory drugs after the phacoemulsification procedure. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are especially dedicated to older diabetic patients and also to people who experienced some complications during the cataract surgery or in whom high ultrasound energy was released during phacoemulsification. As an element of the CME prevention, it is worth to consider the use of the topical NSAIDs in patients with concomitant eye diseases such as epiretinal membrane, uveitis, central retinal vein occlusion and after retinal detachment.