Influence of topical treatment on epithelial wound healing and pain in the early postoperative period following photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of topical treatment given immediately after photorefractive keratectomy.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 60 eyes from 60 patients to evaluate the effects of topical diclofenac, dexamethasone and placebo (BSS) on epithelial wound healing, inflammation and duration of pain in the 3 days following surgery.

Results: Topical diclofenac and dexamethasone as one group significantly retarded epithelial healing and presented a higher number of central islands than the placebo, 3 days after surgery. Topical diclofenac retarded epithelial healing significantly more than dexamethasone. Anterior chamber flare was elevated after surgery without significant differences between treatment groups. Diclofenac showed a tendency to reduce the duration of pain following the procedure, although not significantly.

Conclusions: Postoperative topical diclofenac and dexamethasone used during the first three days following photorefractive keratectomy may affect the epithelial healing and early visual rehabilitation.