Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of fluorometholone 0.1% combined with levofloxacin 0.5% and tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops after cataract surgery

·AIM: To compare the combination of fluorometholone0.1% and levofloxacin 0.5% to tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops in controlling inflammation and preventing infection after phacoemulsification with an intraocular lens implantation.·METHODS: Sixty eyes from 60 patients undergoing cataract phacoemulsification were randomized into two groups; half of the patients were treated with fluorometholone(6 times/d) combined with levofloxacin(4 times/d), while the other half were treated with tobramycin/dexamethasone(4 times/d) eye drops for one week. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, aqueous flare, corneal thickness, and signs and symptoms were recorded before the operation and1 wk following treatments.· RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in corneal thickness(P ≥0.629), aqueous flare(P ≥0.398), and signs and symptoms scores(P ≥0.350) at each time point. Ocular hypertension was only observed in two eyes in the tobramycin/dexamethasone group.· CONCLUSION: Fluorometholone combined with levofloxacin treatment shows comparable efficacy but without the tendency to increase intraocular pressure;thus, it might be a better regimen for postoperative use.