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

Purpose: To compare the effects of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, diclofenac, and prednisolone acetate on wound healing, postoperativ e inflammation, and other clinical parameters in laser in situ keratomileus is (LASIK) patients. Setting: Fundacion VER, Cordoba, Argentina. Methods: Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia was performed simultaneous ly in both eyes of 16 patients by 1 surgeon. Patients were prospectively ra ndomized 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 biomicr oscopy, corneal topography, and clinical scoring (0-III) of pain and photop hobia 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). Preoperat ively, mean spherical equivalent was -5.83 +/- 3.61 diopters (D) in the rig ht 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 2 4 hours, there were significant clinical symptoms in the diclofenac group. Conclusions: Wound healing was stable, with no regression, in the diclofena c and prednisolone groups. Both anti-inflammatory agents worked well in LAS IK patients. J Cataract Refract Surg 1999; 25:836-841 (C) 1999 ASCRS and ES CRS.