Double-masked study of the effects of nepafenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.4% on corneal epithelial wound healing and pain after photorefractive keratectomy.
Two NSAIDs--nepafenac 0.1% and ketorolac tromethamine 0.4%-were compared in terms of their effects on corneal reepithelialization and pain after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in a randomized, double-masked, contralateral eye, multicenter study. A total of 40 healthy adult patients who were undergoing sequential bilateral PRK received nepafenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.4% in contralateral eyes, 1 drop 3 times daily for 3 d after bandage contact lens insertion. Patients were assessed on postoperative days 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7. At each visit, patients provided a general rating of pain. Each patient also assessed the sensation of each eyedrop following instillation (after-drop pain, irritation, burning/stinging, and overall comfort). Starting on day 3, epithelial defect size was assessed. Mean epithelial defect size was similar between treatments at each postoperative visit (P>.05). The average time-to-healing was 4.18 d for nepafenac 0.1% and 4.00 d for ketorolac 0.4% (P=.3134). No statistical difference was observed between nepafenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.4% in mean postoperative pain scores (P>.05). On day 3, the nepafenac 0.1% group had significantly lower mean sensation scores than did the ketorolac 0.4% group for after-drop pain (P=.0090), irritation (P=.0007), and burning/ stinging (P=.0003). Mean overall comfort score was also significantly better for nepafenac 0.1% on day 3 (7.43 vs 6.41; P<.0001). Nepafenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.4% provide postoperative pain relief after PRK surgery without associated adverse effects on corneal epithelial healing. Nepafenac 0.1% treatment may offer greater comfort upon instillation in patients who have undergone PRK.
Donnenfeld
Eric D
ED
Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, USA. eddoph@aol.com
Holland
Edward J
EJ
Durrie
Daniel S
DS
Raizman
Michael B
MB
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044482:Benzeneacetamides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020910:Ketorolac / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010648:Phenylacetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D044482:Benzeneacetamides; D010648:Phenylacetates; C414203:nepafenac; D020910:Ketorolac