Comparison of Intracameral Dexamethasone and Subconjuctival Dexamethasone in Reducing Postoperative Inflammation after Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone with intracameral injection of dexamethasone in controlling immediate postoperative anterior uveitis after cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: 330 patients of cataract underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation by same surgeon. They were divided into two groups comprising of 165 patients each. Patients in Group A, received subconjuctival injection of dexamethasone while patients in group B received intracameral injection of dexamethasone at the end of surgery. Patients were examined on 1st post-operative day on slit lamp for signs of anterior uveitis. Results: On 1^st post op day, in group A, findings were, normal to moderate flare in anterior chamber (148 patients, 89.7%), severe flare in anterior chamber (17 patients, 10.3%), normal to moderate cells in anterior chamber (149 patients, 90.3%), severe cells in anterior chamber (16 patients, 9.6%), hypopyon in anterior chamber (16 patients, 9.6%), posterior synechiea (12 patients, 7.2%)  while in group B, normal to moderate flare in anterior chamber (153 patient, 92.6%), severe flare in anterior chamber (12 patients, 7.3%), normal to moderate cells in anterior chamber (155 patients, 93.9%), severe cells in anterior chamber (10 patients, 6.06%), hypopyon (8 patients, 4.84%), posterior synechiea (4 patients, 2.4%). The data was analyzed statistically by applying Chi square test using SPSS version 10. It showed that there was statistically significant difference in results between group A and group B on 1st post-operative day. Conclusion: Dexamethasone, when injected intracamerally increase its efficacy by about 5 % as compared to subconjuctival route.