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The efficacy of natamycin (pimaricin) was studied and compared with the standard amphotericin B, using a reproducible model of keratomycosis from Candida albicans in the rabbit. C. albicans DSM 70010 (2.5 X 10(5) cells) was injected into the corneal stroma of both eyes. All eyes developed a corneal ulcer without pretreatment with immunosuppressive agents. Forty-eight hours after inoculation, the animals were divided into five groups: I (10 eyes) and II (12 eyes) receiving natamycin drops, 1%; groups III (12 eyes) and IV (12 eyes) receiving natamycin, 2.5%; the control group (14 eyes) receiving 0.9% NaCl. For better penetration of the drug, the epithelium of groups I and III was removed every 3rd day. Half of the control group was debrided as well. In a further series, the penetration of natamycin into the cornea and aqueous humor was studied. There was no difference between the treated eyes and the control eyes concerning complications (descemetocele or perforation). It is concluded that natamycin (pimaricin) is inferior to amphotericin B and not effective in controlling experimental keratomycosis.

In a prospective study we research the incidence of cystoid macular edema following intracapsular cataract extraction with the Choyce-Mark-IX implantation method. The only eyes included in the study were those for which the operation had been uncomplicated. Fluorescence angiography was performed after 8 days, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. The edema was graded accordingly: grades I-III. Cystoid macular edema of grade III was demonstrated in 4% after 6 weeks but not after 6 months and 1 year. After 1 year, grade II occurred in 2% and grade I in 15%, respectively. Visual acuity, however, was not impaired.

Diclofenac is superior to other nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NAD) with respect to its antiphlogistic properties, as demonstrated in laboratory animal experiments. The antiphlogistic action of diclofenac eyedrops versus placebo eyedrops in the prophylaxis of cystoid macular edema (CME) and postoperative inflammatory symptoms was therefore tested in a prospective randomized double-blind study. A total of 179 patients with intracapsular cataract operations and Choyce Mark IX anterior chamber lens implantation received 2 drops 5 times preoperatively and 1 drop 5 times postoperatively until they were discharged, and then subsequently for 6 months they used 1 drop of diclofenac or placebo eyedrops 3 times. To evaluate the CME, fluorescence angiography was carried out on all patients on the day of discharge, 6 weeks later, and after 6 months following the operation. The patients who completed the study according to plan numbered 112. With diclofenac eyedrops, significantly less CME occurred in comparison with treatment with placebo eyedrops (p = 0.03). Visual acuity improved faster and the postoperative inflammatory symptoms receded more quickly in the diclofenac group.