ASSESSMENT OF CHANGE IN INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE WITH TOPICAL DEXAMETHASONE THERAPY AFTER UNEVENTFUL PHACOEMULSIFICATION SURGERY.

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.03.445

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cataract surgery elicits a surgical inflammatory response. While often of a temporary nature,

ocular inflammation that occurs after cataract surgery has the potential to result in problems. Prophylactic

administration of anti-inflammatory drugs is often used. Topical corticosteroids are often used as anti

inflammatory medicines during cataract surgery. OBJECTIVE: To measure the mean change in intraocular

pressure with topical dexamethasone therapy after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. METHODOLOGY:

The cross-sectional research was conducted at the Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences KIOMS,

located inside the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan. The investigation took place between May

01, 2017, and October 31, 2017. The research consisted of individuals who had phacoemulsification, a surgical

procedure including the removal of the lens and implantation of an intraocular lens, all performed by a single

surgeon. The measurement of intraocular pressure IOP was conducted on the preoperative day using a Goldmann

applanation tonometer, which served as the baseline assessment. The patients were administered topical eye drops

containing dexamethasone 0.1% and moxifloxacin 0.5% in order to effectively control postoperative

inflammation. A further evaluation was conducted on the 30th day after the surgical procedure, during which the

intraocular pressure IOP was reassessed. RESULTS: The study included a cohort of 182 individuals, including

106 men and 76 females, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The mean age was determined to be 59.93

± 5.961 years using calculations. The initial intraocular pressure IOP values varied between 12.00 mmHg and

20.00 mmHg, with an average IOP of 15.12 ± 1.992 mmHg. On the thirtieth day after the surgical procedure, the

intraocular pressure IOP was observed to vary between 12.00 mmHg and 28.00 mmHg, with an average value of

17.04 ± 3.392 mmHg. In the present investigation, a total of 12 patients had a rise in intraocular pressure IOP over

10 mmHg compared to their baseline levels before to the surgical intervention. A statistically significant rise in

mean intraocular pressure IOP of 1.923 ± 3.253 mmHg was detected compared to the baseline measurement p <

0.05. CONCLUSION: The findings of this investigation demonstrate a correlation between the use of topical

dexamethasone during cataract surgery and a heightened likelihood of high intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is

crucial to investigate alternate options that are more secure