Topical ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination therapy after cataract surgery: randomized controlled clinical trial

To determine the efficacy of a combination of ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% eyedrops in controlling immediate inflammation after cataract surgery.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

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.

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.

A ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination was effective in controlling inflammation after cataract surgery.