Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory steroid eye drop medication used to reduce inflammation and discomfort after cataract surgery. It helps to decrease swelling, redness, and irritation in the eye following the procedure.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop medication that helps reduce pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. It works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause inflammation and discomfort.

Both medications are available in two forms in this trial: preservative-free formulations and formulations containing preservatives. Preservative-free eye drops are generally gentler on the eye’s surface and may be better tolerated by some patients, while preserved eye drops contain additional ingredients to keep the medication sterile for longer periods.

Cataract – A condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque, leading to decreased vision quality. The lens gradually loses its transparency as proteins within it break down and clump together, causing light to scatter instead of focusing properly on the retina. This clouding typically develops slowly over time and can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts commonly cause blurred vision, increased glare sensitivity, and changes in color perception. The condition is most often associated with aging, though it can occur at any age.