Effects of topical ketorolac and diclofenac on normal corneal sensation.
BACKGROUND
A randomized, double-masked study was conducted to investigate the effects of 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine (Acular) and 0.1% diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) on normal human corneal sensation.


METHODS
Thirty normal volunteers were divided into two groups, (1) two-drop group, and (2) multiple-drop group. In the two-drop group, 15 volunteers randomly received two drops of 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine on one eye and two drops of 0.1% diclofenac sodium on the fellow eye. A masked investigator measured corneal sensation with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer before applying the drops, and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after using the eye drops. In the multiple-drop group, another 15 volunteers were randomly administered one drop of 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine or 0.1% diclofenac sodium in each eye, and the procedure was repeated every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. Corneal sensation was measured before, and 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after applying the drops.


RESULTS
In the two-drop group, neither of the eye drops had any effect on corneal sensation when only two drops were applied. In the multiple-drop group, corneal sensation was significantly reduced after multiple drops (p < 0.05) and was subsequently effective for at least 1 hour.


CONCLUSIONS
Both 0.5% ketorolac and 0.1% diclofenac can significantly decrease corneal sensation in normal eyes when multiple drops are used.
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Gimbel Eye Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Gimbel
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D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001767:Blinking / Q000187:drug effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D014046:Tolmetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014325:Tromethamine; D004008:Diclofenac; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D014046:Tolmetin