Clinical study comparing ketorolac tromethamine with diclofenac sodium for the treatment of ocular surface inflammations

Thirty patients with various ocular surface inflammations were enrolled in a double-masked study comparing ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% (Acular) and diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren Ophthalmic). At the initial visit, baseline measurements of various inflammatory signs were taken. The patients were instructed to use Acular in one eye and Voltaren Ophthalmic in the other eye four times a day for a period of seven days. After this seven day treatment period, the patients completed a questionnaire and were evaluated for signs of inflammation. At this time, the drops were reversed for each eye. Once again the patients were instructed to use the drops four times daily for seven days. After this second week of treatment the patients were reevaluated for signs and symptoms of inflammation. Quantification of signs and symptoms occurred at the one week and two week evaluations. After two weeks the Acular-treated eyes showed significant decreases in conjunctival injection (p = 0.0192), tear debris (p = 0.0052), papillae (p = 0.0092), and follicles (p = 0.0046) compared to baseline. The Voltaren Ophthalmic-treated eyes showed significant decreases in chemosis (p = 0,0113), conjunctival injection (p = 0.0268), tear debris (p = 0.0373), papillae (p = 0.0068), and follicles (p = 0.0039). Subjectively patients found more overall satisfaction with Voltaren Ophthalmic than with Acular (p = 0.0010). Results of this study show that both Acular and Voltaren Ophthalmic are effective in reducing the signs of ocular surface inflammations