Efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac in reducing ocular pain after excimer photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in patients having myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Corneal Laser Centre, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral, United Kingdom. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study of 50 patients (diclofenac 25, placebo 25) of both sexes who had myopic excimer laser PRK. Results were evaluated by several types of questionnaires and comprehensive clinical examination on the day of the procedure and 1 and 3 to 14 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Diclofenac-treated patients experienced significantly less photophobia, burning/stinging, and ocular pain and took significantly fewer oral narcotic analgesics over the first 24 hours postoperatively than placebo-treated patients. CONCLUSION: Topical diclofenac significantly reduced the ocular pain and discomfort immediately after excimer PRK without any clinically significant complications or adverse effects.