Comparison of the effect of topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidals on postoperative corneal astigmatism.

A controlled study compared the effects of a topical steroid (1% prednisolone acetate) and a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (0.03% flurbiprofen) on postoperative changes in corneal astigmatism in a series of patients having phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation through a 6.5 mm scleral pocket incision. The incisions were closed with a continuous running 10-0 monofilament nylon suture under tonometric and keratometric control. The results of the study showed that both agents demonstrated similar postsurgical astigmatic decay curves; however, the group receiving the nonsteroidal agent had an earlier decay of iatrogenically induced astigmatism. Approximately 80% of cases receiving the nonsteroidal agent completed the postoperative course without the use of topical steroids, indicating that in some cases steroids may be avoided after cataract removal.