Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of topical Dexamethasone on intra-ocular pressure when used after phacoemulsification and intra-ocular lens implantation.
STUDY DESIGN: A Cross Sectional Study.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: At Eye “B” Unit Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from 1st March 2009 to 1st March 2010.
METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out on patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation by same surgeon. Goldmann applanation tonometer was used to measure the intra-ocular pressure on 1st post-operative day. Patients were started on topical Dexamethasone (0.1%) along with Tobramycin (0.3 %) eye drops for control of postoperative inflammation. Follow up was at 7th and 30th postoperative days and at each visit intra-ocular pressure (IOP) was measured. RESULTS: Among 59 patients the mean age was 61.45 ± 6.22 years with male to female ratio of 1.56: 1. Intra –ocular pressure measured on 1st post-operative day, ranged between 15.00 mmHg to 17.00 mmHg with a mean of 15.93 ± 0.583. On 7th post operative day IOP ranged between 15.00 mmHg to 18.00 mmHg with mean of 15.89 ± 0.824. On 30th post operative day in about 6 patients a clinically significant rise in IOP was noted. In about 6 patients IOP got increased above normal limit of 21 mmHg with a range between 15.00 mmHg to 24.00 mmHg with a mean of 17.08 ± 2.68.
CONCLUSION: Use of topical Dexamethasone after cataract surgery is associated with a risk of raised intra-ocular pressure (IOP). We recommend further studies to compare other corticosteroids and NSAIDs to find out most safe drug.

Key words: Topical Dexamethasone, intraocular pressure, phacoemulsification, intra-ocular lens implantation.