Perioperative antibiotic, steroidal, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in cataract intraocular lens surgery.

Ophthalmologists are choosing topical antibiotics and corticosteroids more frequently than injectable agents for their current cataract surgical techniques. The preoperative use of povidone-iodine 5%, dilute intracameral antibiotics (via the balanced saline solution infusion), and postoperative impregnated collagen shields or soft contact lenses augment the therapeutic armamentarium. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially diclofenac 0.1%, have played an important role in decreasing postoperative convalescence through maintaining preoperative mydriasis, reducing anterior chamber reactions, and inhibiting cystoid macular edema. With fewer side effects, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are minimizing the role of topical steroids.