Effect of nepafenac 0.1% on retinal thickness after cataract surgery in patients without risk factors for cystoid macular edema.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of topical preoperative nepafenac 0.1% treatment on postoperative macular edema using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

METHODS

Ninety eyes of 90 patients without any risk factors were included in the study. The patients were assigned to three groups: group 1, treated with topical prednisolone acetate 1%; group 2, treated with topical nepafenac 0.1% in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%); and group 3, those who started receiving nepafenac 0.1% treatment 3d prior to surgery and continued the treatment postoperatively in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and macular volume values were recorded using OCT at weeks 3 and 6.

RESULTS

The increases in macular volume in the central 1 mm area after 3 and 6wk were significantly lower in patients who used prophylactic topical nepafenac preoperatively (group 3) compared with those in group 1 (P=0.028 and 0.008, respectively). No significant differences in the increase in macular volume and CRT were noted between groups 2 and 3 (P>0.05). In group 1, the increases in macular volume in the central 3 mm area at weeks 3 and 6 were significantly higher than that in group 2 and 3 (3rd week, P=0.004; 6th week, P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Nepafenac 0.1% treatment in addition to topical steroids after uncomplicated cataract surgery reduce the increase in macular volume in the early postoperative period.