The Effect of Topical Diclofenac Sodium 0.1% on the Corneal Epithelial Healing after Photorefractive Keratectomy

To evaluate the effect of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% on the corneal epithelial healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) In this prospective randomized double blind clinical trial, PRK was performed on 82 patients. Thirty-three cases of them receiving topical diclofenac four times per day after surgical procedure and 45 patients did not receive this medication as a control group. Patients were compared for corneal epithelial healing after treatment. Statistically significant delayed epithelial healing has been found in the treatment group 24 hours after PRK but corneal reepithelialization has been completed in all patients four days after surgery. Postoperative topical diclofenac used following PRK may delay the epithelial healing.