Safety and efficacy of intracameral triamcinolone in postcataract inflammation

Ma. Catherina G. Coronel, MD; George N. Co, MD

Authors

Ma. Catherina G. Coronel, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of Santo Tomas Hospital Manila, Philippines Author
George N. Co, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of Santo Tomas Hospital Manila, Philippines Author

Keywords:

Triamcinolone, Postoperative inflammation, Intracameral, Cataract surgery, Steroids

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracameral triamcinolone on post-cataract surgery inflammation compared with topical 1% prednisolone acetate.

Methods: Eighteen eyes of 18 patients underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular-lens implantation. They were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: the control group received 1% prednisolone acetate postoperatively for 1 month; the triamcinolone group received 0.4 mg in 0.1 ml solution of triamcinolone acetonide intraoperatively. Main outcome measures were anterior-chamber (AC) cells, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results: Significant difference in preoperative and postoperative AC cells in both the control (p < 0.001) and triamcinolone (p = 0.001) groups was seen, but no difference postoperatively between the 2 groups (0.98 vs. 0.94 respectively). No difference in postoperative conjunctival hyperemia or increase in IOP was seen in both groups. Snow-globe effect and pseudohypopyon were transiently observed in the triamcinolone group.

Conclusion: Intracameral triamcinolone is a safe alternative to topical 1% prednisolone acetate in controlling postoperative inflammation.