Efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution in preventing cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution (BF) and a steroidal solution (ST) administered prophylactically against cystoid macular oedema and anterior-chamber inflammation after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation and to assess macular thickness changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: In this prospective study, 62 eyes of 62 patients were randomized to either the BF group (n = 31) or the ST group (n = 31). The average perifoveal thickness (AFT) was measured by OCT preoperatively, and 1 day and 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and flare in the anterior chamber were recorded at each visit. The same method was used to compare patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in the BF (n = 16) and ST (n = 11) groups. Results: In the analysis of all patients, flare in the anterior chamber was significantly (p = 0.007) lower in the BF group 2 weeks postoperatively. In patients with NPDR, the anterior chamber flare values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p = 0.0009) and 6 weeks (p = 0.005). The AFT values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 6 weeks (p < 0.0001). No adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion: BF suppressed anterior chamber inflammation and increasing retinal thickening after cataract surgery in patients with NPDR.