Comparison of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% and loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for inflammation after phacoemulsification: prospective randomized double-masked study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5%) and a topical steroid (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5%) in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery.

SETTING: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to receive topical treatment with ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5% or loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% starting the day after routine phacoemulsification for cataract extraction. Both patient and investigator were masked to treatment. All patients had uneventful small-incision phacoemulsification with placement of a foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). Patients used 1 of the 2 antiinflammatory agents 4 times a day starting 24 hours after surgery. Signs and symptoms of inflammation as documented by external slitlamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), and Kowa cell and flare measurements were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 4, 7, and 30.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in any measurement of postoperative inflammation between the 2 groups. There was no difference in objective or subjective cell and flare measurements or in IOP between groups. No patient in either group was removed from the study for lack of treatment efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5% was as effective as loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% in reducing inflammation after routine phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. These results suggest that ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% is a safe and effective antiinflammatory alternative to steroids after cataract extraction.