Comparison of Changes in Intraocular Pressure after Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide and Topical Dexamethasone

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the changes in intraocular pressure after subtenon triamcinolone acetonide and topical dexamethasone in patients undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Material and Methods: It was a double blind randomized control trial, conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from March 2009 to February 2012. The patients were divided into two groups. Patients undergoing cataract surgery with an injection of subtenon triamcinolone acetonide were included in Group “A” and those receiving topical dexamethasone post-operatively for a period of 4-6 weeks were included in Group “B” (control group). Intraocular pressure was noted pre-operatively and on 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month post-operatively. Results: There were 84 patients in each group. The difference in mean intraocular pressure in the two groups did not reach statistical significance pre-operatively (P value = 0.583). On 30th post-operative day the mean IOP was 15.08 ± 2.66 mmHg in group “A” and 15.39 ± 2.98 mmHg in group “B” (P value = 0.479). At 30th post-operative day, intraocular pressure elevation above the normal value of 21 mmHg was seen in 2 patients (02.38%) in group “A” and in 3 patients (03.57%) in group “B”. Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure between both groups in our study.