Effect of topical 0.1% indomethacin solution versus 0.1% fluorometholon acetate on ocular surface and pain control following laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of topical 0.1% indomethacin solution versus 0.1% fluorometholon acetate in the early postoperative period after LASEK treatment.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-five patients undergoing LASEK, having been randomized in a double-masked manner into 2 groups (1 receiving indomethacin and 1 fluorometholon), were evaluated 2-4 days before and 4 days after treatment. We examined corneal fluorescein staining and corneal esthesiometry; the level of pain experienced was reported by the patient on a visual pain scale. In addition, haze was evaluated at 14 +/- 1 weeks after surgery.


RESULTS
The pain level and corneal fluorescein staining were significantly less in the indomethacin group. Corneal esthesiometry was reduced to the same extent in the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in haze presentation between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study highlights the efficacy of indomethacin solution compared with fluorometholon as a pain reducer after LASEK treatment and suggests that indomethacin is associated with a faster epithelial healing process.
Badalà
Federico
F
Department of Neuroscience, University of Genoa, Italy.
Fioretto
Mauro
M
Macrì
Angelo
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects; D005469:Fluorometholone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015590:Fluorophotometry; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D005469:Fluorometholone; D007213:Indomethacin