The effect of topical indomethacin ophthalmic solution in maintaining mydriasis during cataract surgery

One hundred six consecutive patients undergoing elective cataract surgery were divided into a control group and treatment group in a double-blinded study to evaluate the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin as an aid for maintaining pupil dilation during surgery. Both groups received the routine preoperative dilating drops, and the treatment group also received 1% indomethacin. After lens extraction, the change in pupil diameter from the preoperative measurement averaged 0.27 mm in the treatment group and 0.84 mm in the control group. The difference in control groups was significant (p = 0.001), favoring indomethacin for maintaining pupil dilation.