Effect of Topical 0.1% Indomethacin Solution Versus 0.1% Fluorometholon Acetate on Ocular Surface and Pain Control Following Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of topical 0.1% indomethacin solution versus 0.1% fluorometholon acetate in the early postoperative period after LASEK treatment. METHODS: One hundred thirty-five patients undergoing LASEK, having been randomized in a double-masked manner into 2 groups (1 receiving indomethacin and 1 fluorometholon), were evaluated 2-4 days before and 4 days after treatment. We examined corneal fluorescein staining and corneal esthesiometry; the level of pain experienced was reported by the patient on a visual pain scale. In addition, haze was evaluated at 14 +/- 1 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The pain level and corneal fluorescein staining were significantly less in the indomethacin group. Corneal esthesiometry was reduced to the same extent in the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in haze presentation between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the efficacy of indomethacin solution compared with fluorometholon as a pain reducer after LASEK treatment and suggests that indomethacin is associated with a faster epithelial healing process.