Randomised controlled single-blind study of conventional versus depot mydriatic drug delivery prior to cataract surgery

• Main Authors: Madge Simon, Lamont Meon, Wittles Nadia, Dubois Vincent, Luck Jon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-11-01
• Series: BMC Ophthalmology
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2415/6/36

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A prerequisite for safe cataract surgery is an adequately dilated pupil. The authors conducted a trial to assess the efficacy (in terms of pupil diameter) of a depot method of pre-operative pupil dilatation, as compared with repeated instillations of drops (which is time-consuming for the nursing staff and uncomfortable for the patient).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective randomised masked trial was conducted comprising 130 patients with no significant ocular history undergoing elective clear corneal phacoemulsification. 65 patients had mydriatic drops (Tropicamide 1%, Phenylephrine 2.5%, Diclofenac sodium 0.1%) instilled prior to surgery, 65 had a wick soaked in the same drop mixture placed in the inferior fornix. Horizontal pupil diameters were recorded on a millimetre scale immediately prior to surgery.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was no significant difference in pupil size between the two groups (p = 0.255, Student's t-test).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There was no significant difference between the mydriasis obtained with the depot system compared with conventional drop application. Use of a depot mydriatic delivery system appears to be a safe and efficient method of drug delivery.</p> <p><b>Trial Registration</b></p> <p>International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN78047760</p>