Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2017)

Background: Cataract surgery, particularly via phacoemulsification, is one of the most frequently performed ophthalmic procedures worldwide. Despite its minimally invasive nature, postoperative inflammation remains a common concern. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Nepafenac and bromfenac are widely used, yet comparative data on their clinical efficacy remain limited.

Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind study included 120 patients undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification. Participants were divided equally into two groups: Group A received 0.1% Nepafenac, and Group B received 0.09% bromfenac, each administered once daily postoperatively for four weeks. Inflammatory control was assessed using anterior chamber cell and flare grading (Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature scale), central macular thickness (CMT) via OCT, and visual analog scale (VAS) for ocular discomfort on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, and 28. Statistical significance was evaluated using the chi-square test and unpaired t-test, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: On day 7, anterior chamber cell grades were significantly lower in Group B (0.43±0.21) than in Group A (0.61±0.25; P=0.016). Mean CMT on day 28 was 212.7±16.4 µm in the Nepafenac group versus 204.9±14.8 µm in the bromfenac group (P=0.008). VAS scores for discomfort were also significantly lower in the bromfenac group throughout the study period.

Conclusion: Both agents effectively reduced postoperative inflammation; however, bromfenac demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing intraocular inflammation and macular edema. It may be preferable in routine post-cataract anti-inflammatory regimens.