Relative effectiveness of topical ketorolac and topical diclofenac on discomfort after radial keratotomy.

Two prospective, randomized, double-masked studies were conducted evaluating the analgesic effect of topical eyedrops after radial keratotomy (RK). One study of 117 consecutive initial RK procedures compared topical ketorolac (Acular) with topical diclofenac (Voltaren), and another study of 23 consecutive initial RK procedures compared topical ketorolac with a control medication (HypoTears). Topical ketorolac was significantly more effective than the control but not significantly different from topical diclofenac. The onset of analgesic effect of these topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is longer than one hour. The analgesic effect of oral acetaminophen #3 significantly augments that of topical diclofenac drops for those experiencing any discomfort by six hours after surgery.