Use of a New Ocular Insert versus Conventional Mydriasis in Cataract Surgery

Background. To compare the efficacy and safety of a new ocular insert versus conventional mydriasis in cataract surgery. Methods. We selected 70 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Thirty five patients (Group 1) received instillation of mydriatic drops (tropicamide 1%, phenylephrine 10%, and cyclopentolate 1%) prior to surgery, and 35 patients (Group 2) had a Mydriasert insert (Thea Pharma) (0.28mg of tropicamide and 5.4mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride) placed in the inferior fornix. Pupil size before and after surgery, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured. Results. Before surgery, pupil diameter was 9.44 +/- 1.17mm in Group 1 and 9.05 +/- 1.54 in Group 2 (P > 0.05). Twenty four hours after surgery, pupil diameter was 5.20 +/- 1.54mm in Group 1 and 3.33 +/- 1.15 in Group 2 (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate between groups. Conclusions. The effect of the Mydriasert insert was similar to conventional mydriatic agents. Pupil size was restored to normal faster when using the Mydriasert insert compared with conventional mydriatic agents for pupil dilation.