Publication:

To compare the efficacy and preserved/preservative free nepafenac eye drops in the post cataract inflammation patients

Background Nepafenac is a novel topical NSAID used to treat post operative ocular inflammation and pain. Benzylkonium chloride is used as preservative in the formulation, is notorious in causing ocular surface defect. Now a day, preservative free formulation is available. This study is the comparison of the efficacy and safety of preservative free nepafenac with standard nepafenac eye drop formulation.

Methods This is a prospective investigator masked randomised parallel trial. Total n= 104 patients were enrolled. After randomization, patients were divided into two groups (nepafenac with\without preservative drug).Patients were examined preoperatively (day-1) and post operatively on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15 and 30 days. The signs of inflammation and tear film break up time were recorded.

Results preservative free nepafenac was found better at certain points like aqueous cells at day15 (p=0.02), conjunctival hyperemia at day 5 (p=0.009) and pain at day3 (p=0.004) at other points. Effect on tear film breakup time was recorded but it is not statistically significant.

Conclusions preservative free nepafenac is found effective in controlling the ocular post inflammation. For evaluating the effect on dryness of eye we need longer trials. Preservative free nepafenac should be preferred over the nepafenac eye drops.