AIM:To investigate the preventive effect of 1g/L bromfenac sodium hydrate ophthalmic solution on macular edema after phacoemulsification.

METHODS:In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the cases with age related cataract after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation were randomly divided into two groups, each group of 118 eyes. The cases in experimental group received the treatment of 1g/L bromfenac sodium hydrate ophthalmic solution for 2d preoperatively and 4wk postoperatively, combined with tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops for 2wk postoperatively. The cases in control group received the treatment of tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops for 2wk postoperatively. Central subfield mean thickness(CSMT)was measured within 2d before surgery as well as on 1d, 1, 4, 12wk after surgery and the incidence of macular edema was calculated after surgery.

RESULTS:There was no significant difference in CSMT between two groups before surgery and on 1d, 1, 12wk after surgery(P>0.05). CSMT was significantly lower in experimental group(251.57±6.814μm)than in control group(262.41±7.295μm)on 4wk after surgery(P<0.05). The incidence of macular edema in experimental group on 1d, 1, 4, 12wk after surgery were 0, 0, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively, while in control group were 0, 0.9%, 8.5% and 1.7%, respectively. There was significant difference in the incidence of macular edema between two groups only on 4wk after surgery(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:The thickening of central subfield can be effectively prevented and the incidence of macular edema can be reduced with 1g/L bromfenac sodium hydrate ophthalmic solution performed before and after phacoemulsification.