Results of intracameral dexamethasone injection versus intracameral triamcinolone acetonide injection at the end of phacoemulsification surgery

Abstract

Background: The emergence of intracameral steroid injection at the end of phacoemulsification provides good control of postoperative inflammation. While much research has evaluated the effectiveness of intracameral steroid injection, fewer research has focused on comparing between different steroids and their safety regarding corneal endothelium and intraocular pressure (IOP).Objective: To compare the results of intracameral injection of dexamethasone versus intracameral injection of triamcinolone acetonide and their effects on intraocular pressure and corneal endothelium in patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery.Patients and Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative, interventional study that was conducted on 40 eyes of patients with cataract. They went through an equal and random categorization into two groups underwent an elective uneventful phacoemulsification and intrabagal foldable IOL implantation where dexamethasone 0.4 mg in 0.1 ml was injected into the anterior chamber in group I and triamcinolone acetonide 2 mg in 0.05 ml was injected into the anterior chamber in group II. They were compared preoperatively and postoperatively regarding visual outcomes, inflammatory scores, IOP and corneal endothelial parameters.Results: A statistically significant difference was documented among both groups as regard the increase in central corneal thickness (CCT) as well as postoperative IOP on 5th week. Nevertheless, no statistically significant variations were documented regarding other corneal endothelial parameters, other IOP values, inflammatory scores or the visual outcomes.Conclusion: Both dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide are similarly effective in controlling postoperative inflammation with similar visual outcome. Corneal parameters were marginally less altered in group I in comparison with group II however both groups are safe regarding corneal endothelium and IOP.