A randomized clinical trial of the nonsteroidal eyedrop diclofenac after strabismus surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) with prednisolone sodium phosphate 1% ophthalmic solution after strabismus surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, double-masked, randomized, two-center clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty eyes of 52 patients undergoing strabismus surgery were examined.

INTERVENTION

For 1 week after surgery, the eye that was operated on received one drop of either diclofenac or prednisolone four times a day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The diclofenac- and prednisolone-treated eyes were compared on postoperative days 3 and 7 with respect to signs of inflammation (e.g., erythema, edema, discharge), patient comfort, and conjunctival incisional healing.

RESULTS

On postoperative day 7, in eyes that received prednisolone, the conjunctival defects were larger (P = 0.004) and more frequent (P = 0.02). For all subjects, despite adequate statistical power, there was no statistically significant difference in inflammatory scores between eyes that received diclofenac or prednisolone. In cases of bilateral surgery, however, there was less postoperative erythema and edema in the diclofenac-treated eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

In the first week after strabismus surgery, topical diclofenac proved at least as effective as prednisolone in controlling inflammation and discomfort with less delay in incisional wound healing. Topical diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, may be considered for use after strabismus surgery in place of corticosteroids.