[Tetracaine versus diclofenac in the treatment of pain following refractive photokeratectomy].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To compare the efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac and tetracaine in reducing ocular pain after photorefractive keratectomy.

SETTING:

Ophthalmology Department, Minjoz Hospital, Besançon, France.

METHODS:

Seventy-four patients were randomized to receive either tetracaine 1% or diclofenac 0.1% after undergoing PRK. Tetracaine was instilled at 30 minute intervals for 24 hours. Diclofenac was instilled four times a day for 3 days. All patients were allowed to use oral Diantalvic (paracetamol-noramidopyrine) as a rescue analgesic if the study medications failed to control the ocular pain. Visual analog pain charts were used to record pain levels every hour for 30 hours after surgery. A subjective questionnaire was to be completed by the patient to evaluate discomfort every day for 3 days. Computer analysis of photography performed at D0, D1, D3, was used to evaluate the rate of epithelial closure.

RESULTS:

Women had significantly more pain. Patients in the diclofenac group had significantly less pain. No statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of epithelial closure.

CONCLUSION:

Diclofenac is more effective than tetracaine to reduce ocular pain and functional symptoms.

• Authors: M Montard, C Chopin, B Delbosc, M Muhieddine
• Journal: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie (J Fr Ophtalmol) Vol. 22 Issue 1 Pg. 14-20 (Feb 1999) ISSN: 0181-5512 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Tétracaïne versus diclofénac dans le traitement de la douleur après photokératectomie réfractive.
• PMID: 10221185 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Local
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Tetracaine
• Diclofenac

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthetics, Local (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Diclofenac (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Lasers, Excimer
• Male
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Pain Measurement
• Photorefractive Keratectomy
• Tetracaine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome