Topical Diclofenac Sodium after Excimer Laser Phototherapeutic Keratectomy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both the potential analgesic effects and side-effects of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% are points of interest after excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy. METHODS: Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed in 134 eyes of 134 patients. In 65 eyes (65 patients), the effects of topical diclofenac given three times a day for 3 to 4 days were compared to a control group of 69 eyes (69 patients). All patients received paracetamol for systemic analgesia and were patched after surgery until reepithelialization. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (43%) of the diclofenac group needed additional systemic analgesics compared to 67 patients (95%) in the control group. Seventy-two hours after surgery we found no significant differences in corneal epithelial wound healing and no severe complications. CONCLUSION: Topical diclofenac sodium reduces postoperative pain in patients after phototherapeutic keratectomy. [J Refract Surg 1996;13:311-313]