Reduction of pupillary constriction during cataract surgery using suprofen

The efficacy of a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, suprofen, for reducing pupillary constriction during cataract surgery was ascertained in a double-masked, multicenter, clinical study. Prior to surgery 1.0% suprofen or a placebo was instilled; the surgeon's normal regimen of mydriatics and cycloplegics was used. Suprofen (209 patients) was far more effective than the placebo (203 patients) in maintaining a dilated pupil prior to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (or instillation of a miotic). The mean pupillary area prior to IOL implantation was 6.3 sq mm larger (20% larger) in patients treated with suprofen than in patients receiving the placebo. The investigators' subjective evaluations of the adequacy of pupil size for IOL implantation and of the difficulty of IOL implantation favored patients treated with suprofen over those receiving the placebo.