Search Results

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether early-stage intraocular pressure can be modulated using a thermal face mask.
METHODS:In this prospective clinical study, healthy participants were randomized on a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to three mask groups: hypothermic (G1), normothermic (G2), and hyperthermic (G3). After randomization, 108 eyes from 108 participants were submitted to clinical evaluations, including measurement of initial intraocular pressure (T1). The thermal mask was then applied for 10 minutes, followed by a second evaluation of intraocular pressure (T2) and assessment of any side effects.
RESULTS:The hypothermic group (G1) showed a significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure between T1 (16.97 ± 2.59 mmHg) and T2 (14.97 ± 2.44 mmHg) (p<0.001). G2 showed no significant pressure difference between T1 (16.50 ± 2.55 mmHg) and T2 (17.00 ± 2.29 mmHg) (p=0.054). G3 showed a significant increase in pressure from T1 (16.53 ± 2.69 mmHg) to T2 (18.58 ± 2.95 mmHg) (p<0.001). At T1, there was no difference between the three study groups (p=0.823), but at T2, the mean values ​​of G3 were significantly higher than those of G1 and G2 (p<0.00).
CONCLUSION:Temperature was shown to significantly modify intraocular pressure. Thermal masks allow the application of temperature in a controlled, reproducible manner. Further studies are needed to assess the duration of these effects and whether they are reproducible in patients with pathologies that affect intraocular pressure.

Keywords: Intraocular pressure; Temperature; Masks; Glaucoma; Eye diseases

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of different corticosteroid eye drop formulations (prednisolone acetate 1.0%, dexamethasone 1.0%, and loteprednol etabonate 0.5%) administered for different treatment durations (10 vs. 28 days) in controlling postoperative inflammation following uncomplicated cataract surgery.
METHODS: This randomized, masked clinical trial was conducted at the Instituto Cearense de Oftalmologia. Eligible participants were aged ≥50 yr and scheduled for routine cataract surgery. Exclusion criteria included preexisting ocular disease (elevated intraocular pressure, retinopathy, maculopathy, or uveitis) or concurrent medication use that could confound results. Patients were randomized to receive prednisolone acetate (1.0%), dexamethasone (1.0%), or loteprednol etabonate (0.5%) four times daily for 28 days (with tapering) or for 10 days. Medication bottles, prescriptions, and examiners were masked. Postoperative assessments included ocular symptoms, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber cell count and flare, pachymetry, endothelial cell density, and macular thickness over a 30-day follow-up.
RESULTS: A total of 140 eyes from 140 patients were analyzed (29 prednisolone acetate 1.0%, 18 dexamethasone 1.0%, and 21 loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for 28 days; 28 prednisolone acetate 1.0%, 22 dexamethasone 1.0%, and 22 loteprednol etabonate 0.5% for 10 days). No significant differences were found among the six groups during follow-up. However, eyes treated with dexamethasone (1.0%) showed greater intraocular pressure fluctuations, particularly on Days 7 and 30, and a higher incidence of rebound inflammation in the 28-day regimen. Structural cystoid macular edema without visual impact was observed in 5.9% of eyes in the 28-day groups and 14.2% of eyes in the 10-day groups, as detected by optical coherence tomography at 30 days.
CONCLUSION: Equivalent postoperative inflammation control can be achieved using different corticosteroid eye drop formulations at varying treatment durations following cataract surgery. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-2frpntv

Keywords: Adrenal cortex hormones; Cataract; Cystoid macular edema; Corticosteroids; Inflammation; Loteprednol etabonate; Ophthalmic solutions; Postoperative period; Intraocular pressure; Visual acuity