Efficacy and safety of rimexolone 1% versus prednisolone acetate 1% in the control of postoperative inflammation following phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rimexolone 1% ophthalmic suspension compared to that of 1% prednisolone acetate in the control of inflammation in eyes undergoing cataract extraction with phacoemulsification followed by posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification followed by posterior chamber IOL implantation constituted the study group of this prospective, randomized, double-masked investigation. Patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups; rimexolone 1% ophthalmic suspension (27 subjects) or prednisolone acetate 1% (21 subjects). Postoperatively, patients used topical rimexolone or prednisolone drops four times a day for 15 days. Patients were examined at the first postoperative day (day 1), and days 3, 7 and 15. The major efficacy parameters assessed clinically on each visit were anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare and conjunctival hyperemia. Safety of the rimexolone was evaluated by IOP values and the presence of adverse effects. Results: Regarding all three efficacy parameters, rimexolone was found to be clinically and statistically equivalent to prednisolone acetate. Intraocular pressure values during the postoperative period were also similar in both groups. Conclusion: Rimexolone 1% ophthalmic suspension is both an effective and safe topical steroid in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction with phacoemulsification. © 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.