ARACHIDONIC-ACID METABOLITES AFTER EXCIMER-LASER CORNEAL SURGERY

Objective: We investigated early mediators of inflammation following e xcimer laser ablation in a rabbit cornea model. The ability of topical anti-inflammatory agents to influence these responses was also examin ed. Methods: Adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to photore fractive keratectomy with a 193-nm argon fluoride excimer laser. Prost aglandin E, and leukotriene B4 levels were measured using an enzyme im munoassay, and leukocyte infiltration was determined histologically. R esults: Prostaglandin E2 production was rapid and sustained, but we we re unable to detect the presence of leukotriene B4. Relative to contro l, postoperative topical diclofenac sodium treatment caused a signific ant decrease in prostaglandin E2 levels and a significant increase in corneal leukocytes at 10 hours. Fluorometholone treatment did not sign ificantly alter prostaglandin E2 levels but markedly depressed leukocy te ingress. Conclusions: Diclofenac reduces prostaglandin E2 levels bu t not leukocyte infiltration in the cornea following photorefractive k eratectomy and thus may be useful clinically to reduce postsurgical pa in.