Augmented Efficacy of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) with Corticosteroids on Cystoid Macular Edema after Uncomplicated phacoemulsification

Background: The gradual, painless thickening and clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye is the hallmark of the vision-impairing illness known as cataract. Cataract can be extracted using phacoemulsification, there are several complications post operative including cystoid macular edema. Aim and objectives: To detect the effect of the addition of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (0.1% Nepafenac) to topical steroidal treatment (prednisolone acetate 1%) on the macular thickness after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 100 eyes who had cataract extraction using conventional uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Patients were recruited from the outpatient Clinic on the campus of Al-Azhar University (specifically, Al-Hussien and Sayed-Galal). Every patient had cataract surgery (phacoemulsification), and each patient had a six-month follow-up period. Results: The study groups, A and B, showed a statistically significant difference in macular thickness two weeks after surgery (p-value = 0.026). After two weeks of surgery, group A's macular thickness was 255±18.8, whereas group B's was 264.0±20.9. Regarding the macular thickness six months after surgery. Additionally, the two groups, A and B, were significantly different from one another (p-value=0.005). At six months following surgery, group A's macular thickness was 246.5±14, while group B's was 254.7±14.4. Conclusion: The topical NSAIDs have a great adjuvant effect with corticosteroids in preventing macular odema and improvement of visual acuity following cataract surgery.