A randomised, double-blind trial of topical ketorolac vs artificial tears for the treatment of episcleritis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether topical ketorolac (Acular) is more effective than artificial tears in treating the signs and symptoms of idiopathic episcleritis.


METHODS
In this prospective, randomised, double-blind study, 38 eyes of 37 patients presenting with idiopathic episcleritis were allocated to receive either topical ketorolac (0.5%) or artificial tears three times a day for 3 weeks. The severity of patients' signs (episcleral injection and the number of clock hours affected) were recorded at weekly intervals. Patients' symptoms (perceived redness and pain scores) were recorded using a daily diary.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the ophthalmic signs between the two groups at each assessment, including intensity of episcleral injection and the number of clock hours affected. No significant difference was found in the time to halve the baseline redness intensity scores (4.4 vs 6.1 days, P=0.2) or pain scores (3.6 vs 4.3 days, P=0.55). Significantly more patients on ketorolac reported stinging at the first follow-up visit (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Topical ketorolac is not significantly better than artificial tears in treating the signs or symptoms of idiopathic episcleritis.
Williams
C P R
CP
Southampton Eye Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK. cpwilliams@doctors.org.uk
Browning
A C
AC
Sleep
T J
TJ
Webber
S K
SK
McGill
J I
JI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020910:Ketorolac / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D020910:Ketorolac