Efficacy of extended-release oral diclofenac in postoperative pain management after photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE Inadequate pain control after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery can be a source of distress for patients and ophthalmologists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of extended-release diclofenac for the management of pain after PRK surgery. METHODS In this prospective clinical trial study, patients in the case group were given extended-release diclofenac pre- and postoperatively, and patients in the control group were given acetaminophen and ibuprofen pre- and postoperatively. Patients were examined 2 days after PRK surgery. Pain, photophobia, and functional deficit scores were evaluated subjectively for each patient. An ophthalmologist evaluated lid swelling, conjunctival injection, and epithelial healing. RESULTS Among the 62 patients enrolled in the study, 33 patients were given extended-release diclofenac (case group) and 29 patients were given acetaminophen and ibuprofen (control group). The pain score was reduced in the case group compared to the control group (4.32±2.72 vs. 6.52±1.99, respectively; P<0.001). Photophobia, functional deficit scores, lid swelling, and conjunctival injection were significantly reduced in the case group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION The results indicate that oral diclofenac (preoperatively) is more effective than other routine analgesics in the management of pain in PRK surgery.