EFFECT OF DICLOFENAC ON CORNEAL HAZE AFTER PHOTOREACTIVE KERATECTOMY IN RABBITS

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of topical diclofenac to decrease cor neal opacity after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Me thods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits underwent a unilateral 193-nm excimer laser myopic photorefractive keratectomy to correct 5 diopters . There were four groups of five rabbits each. The first group of rabb its received postoperative topical treatment with placebo (Voltaren Op hthalmic vehicle), the second group received topical 0.1% diclofenac, the third group received topical corticosteroid (0.1% fluorometholone) , and the fourth group received diclofenac and fluorometholone. In the first month, the topical drugs were applied four times daily, and in the second month twice daily. Corneal haze was graded from 0 (totally clear) to 4 (completely opaque cornea). Slit-lamp pictures were obtain ed at weeks 2, 4, and 8, and keratometry readings was performed at wee ks 4 and 8. At week 8, the rabbits were killed, and the eyes were subm itted for histologic examination. Results: At week 8, there was less c orneal haze in the diclofenac-treated animals and in the fluorometholo ne-treated animals than in the control group, but only in the diclofen ac-treated group was the difference statistically significant. Combina tion treatment with diclofenac and fluorometholone did not result in a further decrease in haze. Conclusions: These data suggest that diclof enac and fluorometholone may influence corneal wound healing in rabbit s after excimer laser PRK and support a potential role for using topic al nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in preventing the development of excessive corneal haze after excimer laser surgery.