Comparison of the Effects of 0.05% Difluprednate Ophthalmic Solution and 1% Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Solution on Intraocular Inflammation Following Lens Surgery in Healthy Rabbits

Prednisolone acetate (PA) ophthalmic solution is used to treat post-cataract surgery uveitis. In humans, studies comparing difluprednate (DFBA) and PA ophthalmic solutions have reported the usefulness of DFBA. Herein, we compared the effects of PA and DFBA on uveitis following phacoemulsification in rabbits by evaluating anterior chamber flare values using a laser flare meter, anterior chamber flare grades using a slit-lamp microscope, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation, and histopathological findings. Anterior chamber flare values were highest on the first postoperative day in both groups, decreasing thereafter. Flare values were significantly lower in the DFBA group than in the PA group only on postoperative day 7; no significant between-group differences were observed at other measurement points. Flare grades were highest on the day after surgery in both groups and subsequently decreased, with no significant between-group differences. There were no significant differences in PCO area or the number of inflammatory cells in the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. These findings suggest that the suppressive effect of DFBA on uveitis following phacoemulsification in healthy rabbits is comparable to that of PA. Future studies should investigate the effects of DFBA ophthalmic solution in cataract surgery in rabbits and other animal species.