A comparison of two ophthalmic steroid-antibiotic combinations after cataract surgery

We performed this prospective, randomised, investigator-masked, parallel-group study to compare Fluorometholone-Gentamicin eye drops with Maxitrol (dexamethasone, neomycin, polymyxin B) eye drops in the reduction of ocular bacterial flora and control of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery. One hundred and twelve (FML-Genta 54, Maxitrol 58) patients of both sexes undergoing cataract and posterior chamber lens implant surgery for visually disabling cataract were enrolled in the study and examined pre-operatively and post-operatively on days 1, 6-8 and 24-34. The baseline parameters were similar in the two study groups. The conjunctival bacterial colony count on day 6-8 post-operatively was significantly less on FML-Genta compared with Maxitrol (p = 0.033). There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatments in the degree of intra-ocular inflammation as assessed by flare and cells in the anterior chamber. Both treatments were judged to be equal in the global assessment of the success of therapy and local tolerance by the study patients and doctors. Fluorometholone-gentamicin eye drops were more effective than Maxitrol eye drops in the reduction of ocular bacterial flora while being as well-tolerated and as effective as Maxitrol in the control of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery.