Abstract
Prostaglandins have been shown to mediate various manifestations of ocular inflammation. Diclofenac and indomethacin are thought to inhibit cyclooxygenase, an enzyme necessary for prostaglandin biosynthesis. The anti-inflammatory effect and subjective tolerance of topical diclofenac 0.1% and indomethacin 0.1% were examined in the postoperative treatment of 64 patients undergoing extracapsular cataract surgery with IOL implantation in a prospective, comparative, single masked study. Patients with preexisting ocular disease or whose intraoperative course was complicated were excluded from the study. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed preoperatively and at days: 1, 4-6, and 28-30 post surgery. Tolerance was assessed by subjective patient evaluation. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in postoperative inflammation among the two treatment groups. There was a trend for more severe corneal edema on day 4-6 in the indomethacin group. Diclofenac was slightly better tolerated.