Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is any opacification in lens or its capsule. On the basis of cost effectiveness and feasibility for almost all types of cataract, manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is popular. A dreaded complication as post operative endophthalmitis prompts the need for post operative antibiotics and steroids to control infection and prevent inflammation. But steroid induced glaucoma, corticosteroid induced ocular hypertension are the known leading drawbacks of steroid usage. This study aims at detecting the rise in IOP after the usage of Dexamethasone following MSICS.

Study Design: This is a prospective observational study conducted from November 2018 to April 2020. Total of 59 consecutive non glaucomatous senile and presenile, mature and immature cataract were operated by MSICS and started on Dexamethasone eye drops postoperatively for 6 weeks. Evaluation of changes in IOP preoperatively in comparison to the IOP 6 weeks postoperatively, was recorded by Goldmann Applanation Tonometry.

Results: The mean preoperative IOP among the study subjects was 17.05 mmhg, which increased to a mean IOP of 19.32mmhg after 6 weeks of dexamethasone usage following small incision cataract surgery.

Conclusion: Dexamethasone is a safe and potent corticosteroid which effectively reduces the post operative inflammation and pain. Dexamethasone is a safe drug which carries very low risk of IOP rise if the schedule is followed. The patient compliance with respect to the frequency of instillation of Dexamethasone is most important to obtain good outcome.

Keywords: Manual small incision cataract surgery, Intraocular Pressure, Dexamethasone.