Efficacy of topical nonsteroidal drops as pain relief after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of topical aqueous indomethacin and ketorolac for pain relief following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
We conducted a double masked, randomized trial involving 120 patients. All patients received a standard regimen of one of the trial drugs and chloramphenicol ointment to be used four times daily for 2 days. Pain levels and quality were assessed on a 10 cm linear analogue scale prior to each instillation of the topical medication with the McGill pain questionnaire. Pain threshold was evaluated using a modified State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. Patients were advised to use paracetomol for additional pain relief but were allowed to use any oral analgesic (except nonsteroidal agents) which they documented (type and quantity).


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in pain scores between the groups using indomethacin and ketoralac.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no significant difference between topical ketoralac and aqueous indomethacin as pain relief following excimer laser PRK. Both drugs seemed to significantly reduce pain.
Frangouli
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manchester, England.
Shah
S
S
Chatterjee
A
A
Morgan
P B
PB
Kinsey
J
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D020910:Ketorolac; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012449:Safety; D014046:Tolmetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014046:Tolmetin; D007213:Indomethacin; D020910:Ketorolac