Arachidonic acid metabolites after excimer laser corneal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated early mediators of inflammation following excimer laser ablation in a rabbit cornea model. The ability of topical anti-inflammatory agents to influence these responses was also examined.

METHODS

Adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to photorefractive keratectomy with a 193-nm argon fluoride excimer laser. Prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay, and leukocyte infiltration was determined histologically.

RESULTS

Prostaglandin E2 production was rapid and sustained, but we were unable to detect the presence of leukotriene B4. Relative to control, postoperative topical diclofenac sodium treatment caused a significant decrease in prostaglandin E2 levels and a significant increase in corneal leukocytes at 10 hours. Fluorometholone treatment did not significantly alter prostaglandin E2 levels but markedly depressed leukocyte ingress.

CONCLUSIONS

Diclofenac reduces prostaglandin E2 levels but not leukocyte infiltration in the cornea following photorefractive keratectomy and thus may be useful clinically to reduce postsurgical pain.