Effects of anti-inflammatory drugs following cataract extraction

Cycloplegics, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been applied in the treatment of postoperative inflammation following cataract extraction. Of these, topical preparations of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% and diclofenac sodium 0.1%, offer comparable efficacy to corticosteroids in the reduction of postoperative inflammation, and offer lower risks of adverse events in most patients. Comparative studies of these drugs from the past 5 years are highlighted.