AIM: To observe the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of anterior chamber injection of dexamethasone for anterior uveitis following cataract extraction combined with anti-glaucoma surgery.

METHODS: Forty-six patients who received combination procedure of cataract extraction and anti-glaucoma from September 2008 to October 2010 were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group and control group. Each group had 23 patients. All patients were performed using combination procedure of cataract extraction and anti-glaucoma. During surgery, the treatment group received anterior chamber injection of dexamethasone(0.5mg). The control group was applied with anterior chamber injection of balanced salt solution(0.5mg). The myopia, aqueous flare,intraocular pressure(IOP)and corneal endothelium counter was measured 1 day, 3,7 days,1 month and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS: At 1, 3 and 7 days after surgery, the aqueous flare in treatment group was significantly lower than control group(P<0.05). There was no aqueous flare at 1 month and 3 months after surgery. The intraocular pressure between two groups was not statistically different(P>0.05). Meanwhile, no significant difference was found between two groups when determined the corneal endothelium counter.

CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can effectively inhibit the inflammatory reaction of anterior uveitis after cataract combination with anti-glaucoma surgery. No severe applications is found after anterior chamber injection of dexamethasone.In all, it was a safe and effective method.