The Effect of Topical Diclofenac Sodium 0.1% on the Corneal Epithelial Healing after Photorefractive Keratectomy

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% on the corneal epithelial healing after photorefractive keratectomy (prk)methods: in this prospective randomized double blind clinical trial, prk was performed on 82 patients. thirty-three cases of them receiving topical diclofenac four times per day after surgical procedure and 45 patients did not receive this medication as a control group. patients were compared for corneal epithelial healing after treatment.results: statistically significant delayed epithelial healing has been found in the treatment group 24 hours after prk but corneal reepithelialization has been completed in all patients four days after surgery.conclusion: postoperative topical diclofenac used following prk may delay the epithelial healing.