AIM: To observe the change of macular fovea thickness and the incidence of cystoid macular edema(CME)after cataract surgery by using bromfenac sodium eyedrops in perioperative period, to access the applying value of this kind of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)on preventing postoperative CME.

METHODS: The clinical data of patients received phacomulsification and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation surgeries by the same operator were retrospective analyzed. Twenty patients(26 eyes)in trial group received the treatment of topical bromfenac sodium(twice per day for 3d preoperatively and twice per day for 2wk postoperatively)combined with tobramycin and dexamethasone(four times per day for 2wk postoperatively). Nineteen patients(26 eyes)in the control group only used tobramycin and dexamethasone eyedrops. The changes of macular fovea thickness and the incidence of CME preoperative and 1mo postoperative were analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean macular fovea thickness of two groups improved from 221.077±22.194μm and 222.769±21.562μm preoperatively to 221.692±29.685μm and 249.538±63.153μm postoperatively respectively. There was no statistical difference in the trial group between preoperative and postoperative(P>0.05), however, there were statistical differences compare that of preoperative and postoperative in the control group and postoperative between two groups(P<0.05). The incidence of CME was 0 and 3.85% in two groups with no statistical significance(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The topical use of bromfenac sodium eyedrops in perioperative period possibly can prevent the increase of macular fovea thickness and the occurrence of CME after cataract surgery.