Treatment of Post-operative Inflammation following Cataract Surgery – A Review

Abstract

Inflammation after cataract surgery, which can be persistent, remains an undesirable consequence despite many advances in surgical techniques. Although corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have traditionally been used to treat inflammation, prophylactically as well as post-operatively, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of inflammation induced by cataract surgery. The long-term use of corticosteroids has raised safety concerns, especially with regard to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This limitation of traditional corticosteroids led to the development of C-20 ester corticosteroids through retrometabolic drug design. This design modification allows the corticosteroid to be active at its site of action and then undergo predictable hydrolysis to inactive metabolites, resulting in reduced side effects. A review of studies published in the last 10 years indicates that C-20 ester corticosteroids provide effective control of post-cataract surgery inflammation without the elevation of IOP. Loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5 % is the only topical C-20 ester corticosteroid approved for use in the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions including post-operative ocular inflammation. This corticosteroid, alone or in combination with NSAIDs, may provide effective and safe inflammation control, especially for high-risk patients, and may overcome concerns regarding side effects associated with traditional C-20 ketone corticosteroids. Ocular inflammation after cataract surgery presents healthcare providers with a treatment dilemma. While corticosteroids are traditionally the therapy of choice for inflammation, their long-term use for managing ocular inflammation can produce significant adverse events. This article discusses whether C-20 ester corticosteroids, alone or in combination with NSAIDs, offer effective treatment of post-cataract surgery inflammation while minimising adverse events.