The effect of topical indomethacin on subjective symptoms in chronic corneal edema

The authors conducted a masked randomized study of 15 patients to evaluate the effect of administration of topical indomethacin 1% suspension on complaints in chronic corneal edema. Patients who complained of photophobia, pain, itching, burning sensation, foreign body sensation and tearing, were treated with topical indomethacin 1% or placebo and followed for eight weeks. The severity of the complaints was rated and the scores were evaluated (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test). Of the eight patients treated with indomethacin, seven (87%), had symptomatic improvement and the severity of the total score of their complaints was significantly decreased. Of the seven patients treated with placebo, no symptomatic improvement was observed and severity of the complaints remained unchanged. However, when the placebo-treated patients subsequently received indomethacin drops, the complaints were significantly decreased. This study suggests that topical administration of indomethacin 1% may reduce ocular complaints in patients with chronic corneal edema.