Evaluating the Efficacy, Compliance, and Patient Satisfaction of a New Dropless Postoperative Regimen After Cataract Surgery in a Vulnerable, County-hospital Population

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new dropless postoperative regimen after cataract surgery in a vulnerable, county-hospital population. This study aims to address the high burden and challenges faced by patients using multiple postoperative eye drops, which contribute to non-adherence and increased rates of complications like cystoid macular edema. The investigation is a phase 4 trial conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, focusing on improving postoperative outcomes, patient compliance, and satisfaction in a safety-net hospital setting. The study compares two treatment approaches for patients undergoing bilateral sequential cataract surgery. One group receives a dropless regimen involving a single intraoperative injection of triamcinolone acetonide and cefuroxime with no postoperative eye drops. The other group follows the standard regimen, which includes intracameral cefuroxime during surgery plus multiple postoperative eye drops for several weeks. Patients are randomized to receive each regimen in one eye, allowing direct comparison within individuals. Participants will be followed through the first postoperative month, with assessments of patient and caregiver satisfaction, medication adherence, visual acuity, and the incidence of complications such as cystoid macular edema and endophthalmitis. Data collection includes evaluations at one week and one month after surgery. This pilot study aims to gather preliminary evidence on the new regimen’s safety, compliance, and satisfaction to inform future broader evaluations.

Evaluating a Dropless Postoperative Regimen After Cataract Surgery in a Vulnerable, County-hospital Population