Effect of topical diclofenac solution on discomfort after radial keratotomy

The eyes of 65 consecutive radial keratotomy patients were treated topically with either diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) solution or with Tears Naturale (control group) preoperatively and postoperatively in a prospective, randomized, double-masked study. During the first postoperative day, patients completed a questionnaire on discomfort level present at 15 minutes and at one, three, six, and 18 hours after surgery. Patients treated with topical diclofenac were generally more comfortable than patients in the control group. They had a significantly lower rate of "moderate" or "severe" discomfort and a higher rate of less than "mild" discomfort. Peak discomfort occurred at three hours in both groups. The prescribed optional oral analgesic was taken by 48.5% of patients in the diclofenac group and by 71.9% of those in the control group.