Transzonular moxifloxacin and dexamethasone delivery in phacoemulsification: A novel dropless regimen

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of transzonular moxifloxacin and dexamethasone versus standard postoperative topical drug regimen in phacoemulsification. Design: Nonrandomized prospective study. Methods: The study included 100 eyes of 100 age and gender-matched individuals with senile cataract undergoing routine phacoemulsification. The patients were consecutively divided into transzonular (TZ = 50) and topical (TP = 50) groups. Both the groups were followed up for 4 weeks and assessed for intraocular inflammation, visual acuity, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), and any adverse events. Results: The grades of inflammation were significantly lower in TZ as compared to the TP group (P < 0.001). The IOP remained normal and comparable in both the groups. Most of the patients in the two groups attained a visual acuity of 0.2 or better at the end of the follow-up. No adverse effects and increased rate of endophthalmitis were noted in TZ group. Conclusion: A one-time peroperative TZ moxifloxacin and dexamethasone combination is a safe and effective method to control postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery. A word of caution though, due precautions to be exercised to prevent the risk of inflammation and endophthalmitis.