A study of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops and no pressure patching in the treatment of corneal abrasions. Corneal Abrasion Patching Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of an ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the treatment of noninfected, non-contact lens-related, traumatic corneal abrasions and no pressure patch.


METHODS
A single-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
One hundred patients with noninfected, non-contact lens-related, traumatic or foreign body removal-related corneal abrasions less than 36 hours in duration.


METHODS
All patients received a cycloplegic drop and erythromycin or polymyxin B (Polysporin Ophthalmic Ointment, Burroughs Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, NC). Patients were then randomized to receive either ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% ophthalmic solution or control vehicle drops.


METHODS
The main outcome measures were six subjective symptoms monitored daily, evaluation of corneal abrasion, and determination of adverse events. Long-term complications were determined 3 to 8 months after randomization.


RESULTS
Twelve patients were excluded from the study. One day after randomization, patients receiving ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% ophthalmic solution noted significantly decreased levels of pain (P < 0.002), photophobia (P < 0.009), and foreign body sensation (P < 0.003) as compared with the control vehicle group. In addition, the time to resumption of normal activities was shorter in the group who received ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% ophthalmic solution (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the amount of tearing, healing time, acuity changes, or complication rates between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% ophthalmic solution provides increased patient comfort without clinical adverse effects when used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of noninfected, non-contact lens-related, traumatic corneal abrasions.
Kaiser
P K
PK
Division of Ophthalmology A31, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Pineda
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010146:Pain; D011312:Pressure; D014046:Tolmetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014325:Tromethamine; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D014046:Tolmetin