Low dose fluorometholone stops endothelial rejection after PKP

Using 0.1% fluorometholone after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) significantly reduces the chances of endothelial rejection, claims a study in Ophthalmology.

A randomized, non-blinded, clinical trial, led by Dr Jun Shimazaki, Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, Japan, included 42 patients who underwent PKP. Each patient had been administered topical steroid eye drops and maintained graft clarity for over one year.

The participants were randomly assigned to two groups and were assessed for 12 months. Group was administered 0.1% of fluorometholone three times daily and group 2 were not administered any steroids.

In group 1 there were 17 patients who completed the trial and in group 2 there were 15 patients. Endothelial rejection was developed in 1 patient in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 at an average of 5.2±4.5 after PKP.

There were no differences in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, epithelial damage, tear film break-up time, cataract progression, infection, or incidence of systemic side effects between the groups.

There were no adverse effects reported when using 0.1% fluorometholone and the study suggests using low dose corticosteroids even in low-risk cases.