Investigation Supports Dropless Cataract Surgery

Patients who undergo cataract surgery may prefer a dropless medication regimen to treat postoperative pain, inflammation, and infection. This regimen is a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional topical medications, according to research results presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Annual Meeting, held virtually November 13-15, 2020. 

Researchers conducted a randomized, self-controlled, prospective clinical study of patients who underwent bilateral sequential cataract surgery 2 weeks apart. Participants (n=60) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: the experimental group received dropless medication regimen (punctal plug dexamethasone (Dextenza®, Ocular Therapeutix), ketorolac/phenylephrine (Omidira®, Omeros), and intracameral moxifloxacin), while the control group received moxifloxacin 0.5%, ketorolac 0.5%, and prednisolone acetate 1% topical medications, each 4 times daily.

Investigators found no significant difference in postoperative pain, anterior chamber cell and glare, optical coherence tomography macula thickness, or visual acuity between groups. No infections were noted in either group, but those in the control group experienced significantly more superficial punctate keratitis. Ultimately, 96% of patients preferred the dropless regimen. 

“Dropless medications following cataract surgery are a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional topical medications,” the researchers concluded. 

Disclosure: Several study authors declared affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors’ disclosures. 

Reference

Donnenfeld ED, Hovanesian JA, Gill ES. Dropless punctal plug dexamethasone, intracameral ketorolac and moxifloxacin compared to conventional topical therapy in cataract surgery. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Annual Meeting; November 13-15, 2020. Abstract PO046.