Noninfectious Outcomes of Intravitreal Antibiotic Steroid Injection and Topical Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Versus Triple Drop Therapy After Cataract Surgery

Am J Ophthalmol. 2024 Apr:260:37-48. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.11.003. Epub 2023 Nov 8.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare noninfectious outcomes of intravitreal antibiotic steroid (IVAS) injection (moxifloxacin-triamcinolone) and postoperative topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) with a standard 3-drop therapy (TDT) regimen (topical antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID) in patients after cataract surgery.

Design: Retrospective comparative clinical cohort study.

Methods: In 3 study centers in the United States, a total of 2143 eyes (N = 2143 patients) underwent cataract surgery with IVAS-NSAID or TDT between 2017 and 2022. Preoperative data were included, including patients' age, iris color, medical history, and ocular history. Postoperative data, including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the need for IOP-lowering medications, were recorded at 1-week, 1-month, and 6-month time points. The primary outcome measures were postoperative complications, defined as persistent anterior chamber inflammation, persistent corneal edema (PCE), rebound inflammation, and cystoid macular edema, were compared between the 2 groups.

Results: There were 1079 eyes in the IVAS-NSAID group and 1064 eyes in the TDT group. Best-corrected visual acuity and IOP were similar between IVAS-NSAID and TDT eyes at all time points. A portion (11.6%) of TDT eyes experienced postoperative complications compared with 6.5% in IVAS-NSAID eyes (P < .001). Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was associated with increased rates of PCE in IVAS-NSAID eyes, and eyes with dark irides had a higher incidence of cystoid macular edema, PCE, and rebound inflammation in the IVAS-NSAID group.

Conclusion: The IVAS-NSAID regimen overall had similar postoperative outcomes and fewer complications compared with the TDT regimen. IVAS-NSAID may be considered a safe alternative to topical regimens in non-femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and patients with light irides.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Cataract* / complications
  • Cohort Studies
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Macular Edema* / drug therapy
  • Macular Edema* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Steroids / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Steroids