Effect of Intracameral Dexamethasone After Phacoemulsification in Diabetics on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density
Status:
Withdrawn
Trial end date:
2018-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rapidly growing worldwide. One major concern with
diabetes mellitus is how it may affect vision in different ways; including the increased risk
of developing cataract. Several studies have found an association between diabetes mellitus
and the development of cataract. In patients with DM, cataract progression is also faster and
occurs at a younger age.5 While results for modern cataract surgery are satisfactory,
cataract surgery in diabetic patients carries a higher risk of peri and post-operative
complications than in non-diabetic patients. Several studies have shown that the corneal
endothelial count of diabetic patients is decreased, with more damage occurring to corneal
endothelial cells following phacoemulsification in diabetics than in non-diabetics. This is
presumed to be due to increased vulnerability of corneal endothelial cells in diabetics and a
delay in the repair process.
Administration of topical corticosteroids is the main method to control post-operative
inflammation after phacoemulsification, however many studies have also proved the safety and
efficacy of intracameral corticosteroids to control inflammation post-operatively. While
intracameral triamcinolone is effective in controlling post-operative inflammation, elevation
of intraocular pressure is a main concern.
Dexamethasone has been found to be effective in controlling post-operative inflammation with
no effect on intraocular pressure. This may be due to its rapid turnover and short half-life.
No studies however have been performed to evaluate the safety and benefit of intracameral
injection of dexamethasone following phacoemulsification in diabetic patients. In the present
study, investigators aim to evaluate this and determine its effect on the post-operative
corneal endothelial cell density and corneal thickness.