I I Ahmed1, C W Breslin. 1. University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine whether a bandage soft contact lens (BSCL) is routinely needed in the postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patient and whether topical tetracaine 0.5% or diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) is more effective in relieving patient discomfort than a BSCL. SETTING: LCA-Vision Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: In this prospective randomized comparative study, all patients had bilateral simultaneous LASIK procedures. Post-LASIK patient comfort was evaluated through 3 arms of the study: BSCL versus no BSCL, 40 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive aBSCL and no BSCL in the fellow eye; BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%, 26 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive aBSCL and tetracaine 0.5% in the fellow eye; tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren, 54 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receivetetracaine 0.5% and Voltaren in the fellow eye. RESULTS: The patient preferences after LASIK were as follows: BSCL versus no BSCL-12 (30%) versus 23 (58%) (P =.062); BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%-4 (15%) versus 22 (85%) (P <.001). On average, the eyes with no BSCL had a 2-line improvement in uncorrected visual acuity over the BSCL eyes. Tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren-13 (24%) versus 21 (39%) (P =.170). CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of a BSCL in the postoperative LASIK patient is not necessary. Voltaren and tetracaine 0.5% were safe and more effective in relieving postoperative patient discomfort and resulted in improved visual acuity immediately postoperatively.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To determine whether a bandage soft contact lens (BSCL) is routinely needed in the postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patient and whether topical tetracaine 0.5% or diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) is more effective in relieving patient discomfort than a BSCL. SETTING: LCA-Vision Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: In this prospective randomized comparative study, all patients had bilateral simultaneous LASIK procedures. Post-LASIK patient comfort was evaluated through 3 arms of the study: BSCL versus no BSCL, 40 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive a BSCL and no BSCL in the fellow eye; BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%, 26 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive a BSCL and tetracaine 0.5% in the fellow eye; tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren, 54 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive tetracaine 0.5% and Voltaren in the fellow eye. RESULTS: The patient preferences after LASIK were as follows: BSCL versus no BSCL-12 (30%) versus 23 (58%) (P =.062); BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%-4 (15%) versus 22 (85%) (P <.001). On average, the eyes with no BSCL had a 2-line improvement in uncorrected visual acuity over the BSCL eyes. Tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren-13 (24%) versus 21 (39%) (P =.170). CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of a BSCL in the postoperative LASIK patient is not necessary. Voltaren and tetracaine 0.5% were safe and more effective in relieving postoperative patient discomfort and resulted in improved visual acuity immediately postoperatively.
Authors: Fiona Stapleton; Carl Marfurt; Blanka Golebiowski; Mark Rosenblatt; David Bereiter; Carolyn Begley; Darlene Dartt; Juana Gallar; Carlos Belmonte; Pedram Hamrah; Mark Willcox Journal: Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci Date: 2013-10-18 Impact factor: 4.799