Comparison of intracameral cocktail and topical drops following phacoemulcification

Purpose: To compare intracameral drug mixture cocktail with postoperative conventional topical antibiotic-steroid following phacoemulsification. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study comprised 60 eyes of 60 patients having phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia. Eyes were randomized to receive intracameral drug mixture cocktail or postoperative topical antibiotic-steroid. The cocktail comprised of vancomycin, ceftazidime, diclofenac, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide and balanced salt solution. Best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured preoperatively and at 1., 4., 8., 15. and 29. days postoperatively. Results: Best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements did not show significant difference at any time points. More than or equal to 5mmHg rise in intraocular pressure was observed on postoperative day 1 in 9(30%) eyes of Cocktail group and 3(10%) eyes of Topical group. The difference was not significant (p=0,053). Conclusion: Intracameral cocktail following phacoemulsification is as safe and effective as topical drops. If there are more than or equal to 3 surgeries in an operating day, then the use of cocktail is more economical compared to topical drops. The issue of compliance is also taken care of with the use of intracameral cocktail Keywords: Phacoemulsification, vancomycin, ceftazidime, diclofenac, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity