Corneal deposit after topical ciprofloxacin as postoperative medication after cataract surgery

To report 5 cases of corneal deposits after administration of topical ciprofloxacin as postoperative medication after uneventful cataract surgery.

Observational Case Series.

Five patients ranging from 60 to 72 years of age.

All cases were operated by small-incision cataract surgery technique and prescribed postoperatively ciprofloxacin and prednisolone acetate eye drops. All cases had corneal deposits on second follow-up visit (15 days after cataract surgery) with decreased visual acuity. Ciprofloxacin eye drops were immediately discontinued and replaced by topical artificial tear substitute and tobramycin eye drop along with prednisolone acetate. In 1 case, surgical debridement was done.

Complete resolution of corneal deposit occurred in 2 months with good recovery of visual acuity in cases managed conservatively. The case with surgical debridement required more time for healing and visual recovery.

More frequent and prolonged application of ciprofloxacin drops can lead to drug precipitation, which can interfere with surgical outcome.