Effectiveness of topical diclofenac in relieving photophobia after pupil dilation.
Author(s): Chitkara DK, Jayamanne DG, Griffiths PG, Fsadni MG
Affiliation(s): Newcastle General Hospital (Chitkara, Jayamanne, Griffiths), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
Publication date & source: 1997-06, J Cataract Refract Surg., 23(5):740-4.
Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE: To test the effectiveness of topical diclofenac in relieving photophobia after pupil dilation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom. METHODS: Twenty healthy patients and volunteers from the outpatient ophthalmology clinic were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison in which the patient's fellow eye served as a control. Photophobia after pupil dilation was tested subjectively using a visual analog scale and a neutralization scale at 30 minute intervals for 2 hours after instillation of topical diclofenac. RESULTS: Both tests show a statistically significant reduction in photophobia in the diclofenac-treated eyes at each time interval (P < or = .05). This difference was also considered clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Topical diclofenac given at the time of pupil dilation significantly reduced photophobia. The mechanism of action is unknown and requires further evaluation.
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