Effects of topical diclofenac and prednisolone eyedrops in laser in situ keratomileusis patients.

Author(s): Vantesone DL, Luna JD, Muino JC, Juarez CP

Affiliation(s): Fundacion Ver, Cordoba, Argentina.

Publication date & source: 1999-06, J Cataract Refract Surg., 25(6):836-41.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, diclofenac, and prednisolone acetate on wound healing, postoperative inflammation, and other clinical parameters in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients. SETTING: Fundacion VER, Cordoba, Argentina. METHODS: Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia was performed simultaneously in both eyes of 16 patients by 1 surgeon. Patients were prospectively randomized to receive diclofenac eyedrops in the right eyes and prednisolone acetate eyedrops in the left. Postoperatively, the drops were administered topically every 2 hours the first day, every 6 hours the first week, every 8 hours the second week, and once a day the fourth week. Preoperatively and at each postoperative visit, evaluation of visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, corneal topography, and clinical scoring (0-III) of pain and photophobia were done; epithelial interface opacities were objectively evaluated. Follow-up was at 24, 48, and 72 hours, 1, 2, and 3 weeks, and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. A paired t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the 16 patients was 29.4 years +/- 6.5 (SD). Preoperatively, mean spherical equivalent was -5.83 +/- 3.61 diopters (D) in the right eyes and -6.96 +/- 4.66 D in the left eyes. At 6 months postoperatively, it was -1.83 +/- 1.87 D and -1.88 +/- 2.13 D, respectively. In the first 24 hours, there were significant clinical symptoms in the diclofenac group. CONCLUSIONS: Wound healing was stable, with no regression, in the diclofenac and prednisolone groups. Both anti-inflammatory agents worked well in LASIK patients.