Topical ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination therapy after cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a combination of ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% eyedrops in controlling immediate inflammation after cataract surgery. SETTING: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial comprised 61 patients, 31 of whom were treated with a combined ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone suspension (study group) and 30, with a standard formulation of betamethasone and neomycin eyedrops (control group). One and 7 days postoperatively, pain, lid edema, lacrimation, conjunctival congestion, aqueous flare and cells, and side effects were noted. A conjunctival swab for bacteria and a fungus culture were sent for evaluation 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: At 7 days, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in lid edema, conjunctival congestion, anterior segment inflammation, lacrimation, or pain. Two patients in the ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone group noted white deposits in and around the eye that resolved after the dose was reduced to 4 times a day. No patient reported or developed an allergic reaction to either drug combination. CONCLUSION: A ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination was effective in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery.