Effectiveness of topical diclofenac in relieving photophobia after pupil dilation

PURPOSE: To test the effectiveness of topical diclofenac in relieving photophobia after pupil dilation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom. METHODS: Twenty healthy patients and volunteers from the outpatient ophthalmology clinic were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison in which the patient's fellow eye served as a control. Photophobia after pupil dilation was tested subjectively using a visual analog scale and a neutralization scale at 30 minute intervals for 2 hours after instillation of topical diclofenac. RESULTS: Both tests show a statistically significant reduction in photophobia in the diclofenac-treated eyes at each time interval (P < or = .05). This difference was also considered clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Topical diclofenac given at the time of pupil dilation significantly reduced photophobia. The mechanism of action is unknown and requires further evaluation.