Treatment of inflamed pterygium and pinguecula with topical indomethacin 0.1% solution

To evaluate the effect of topical indomethacin 0.1% on signs and symptoms in inflamed pterygium and pinguecula.

Fifty-one consecutive patients who had inflamed pterygium (n = 32) or pinguecula (n = 19) were studied in a randomized, double-masked, controlled way. Objective signs (conjunctival congestion, redness, edema, and staining of cornea) and subjective complaints (photophobia, pain, foreign-body sensation, discomfort, and tearing) were evaluated and scored. In addition, we evaluated total signs, total symptoms, and total score. Group 1 (n = 25) received topical indomethacin 0.1% solution and group 2 (n = 26) received a placebo six times daily for 3 days, then four times daily for 11 days. Patients were examined before and at days 3, 7, and 14 after the treatment began.

In group 1 at day 3, the scores of total signs, total symptoms, and total score decreased (p = 0.001), and they further decreased after 14 days (p = 0.02 to p = 0.05). In group 2 at day 3 these parameters also significantly decreased (p = 0.01 to p = 0.02), but no further improvement occurred after 14 days. Comparing groups 1 and 2 revealed a decrease in scores in group 1 for total signs, total symptoms, and total score at days 3, 7, and 14 (p = 0.03 to p = 0.002) except for total signs after 14 days (p = NS). All the patients reported mild stinging for < 1 min after administration of the drops.

This study indicates that topical indomethacin solution 0.1% is a useful treatment for inflamed pterygium and pinguecula.