Comparative Conjunctival Toxicity of Subconjunctival Preservative-free Gentamicin and Subconjunctival Preservative-free Cefuroxime

OBJECTIVE: To compare the conjunctival toxicity of subconjunctival injections of preservativefree solutions of gentamicin and cefuroxime. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study comparing conjunctival chemosis on the first postoperative day. SETTING: Ophthalmic Department, Harrogate Hospitals, Harrogate, UK. PATIENTS: 52 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were randomly assigned to receive either subconjunctival injection of gentamicin or cefuroxime at the end of the surgical procedure. MAIN OUTCOME: Incidence and severity of conjunctival chemosis in the operated eye. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the incidence ( P > 0.1) and severity ( P > 0.1) of conjunctival toxicity between the two antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the conjunctival toxicity between preservative-free gentamicin and preservativefree cefuroxime.