TOPICAL DICLOFENAC FOLLOWING EXCIMER-LASER - EFFECT ON CORNEAL SENSITIVITY AND WOUND-HEALING IN RABBITS

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID ) that is widely used systemically and topically. We studied the effec t of diclofenac on corneal reepithelialization and corneal sensitivity after excimer laser treatment in rabbits. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D). Groups A and B received diclofenac four times and eight times daily, respecti vely, following a central 5-millimeter epithelial debridement. Groups C (control) and D (diclofenac four times daily) underwent excimer lase r ablation (30-micrometer depth) following manual debridement. Wound h ealing was compared between groups A and B and groups C and D. Sensiti vity was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively 1 to 5 and 14 day s in groups C and D until normal values were reestablished. RESULTS: T otal time for corneal wound healing and epithelial migration rates was not delayed in any group receiving diclofenac (A, B, and D). Sensitiv ity after laser ablation reached a minimum of 15% to 20% in both group s C and D by day 2 and returned to normal (100% by day 8. The decrease in sensitivity between group C, the controls, and group D, receiving diclofenac four times daily, was not statistically significant. CONCLU SIONS: Diclofenac can be used up to eight times daily in the rabbit wi thout causing changes in corneal wound healing or epithelial migration rate. There was no significant, long-term reduction of sensitivity, a nd recovery was not affected by diclofenac.