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Arachidonic acid metabolites after excimer laser corneal surgery
A F Phillips1, K Szerenyi, M Campos
1Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
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.