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Diclofenac use post-LASIK may cause corneal melting

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LOS ANGELES — Using diclofenac with or without adjunctive topical steroids after LASIK may be associated with corneal melting, if the LASIK flap is dislodged and the stromal bed exposed, results from a small case series showed.

In three cases of corneal melting, flaps had been dislocated and corneal stromal beds exposed. Diclofenac was used at least four times daily for at least 3 days post-LASIK. Topical steroids were used by two of the three patients. Histological analysis showed evidence of an inflammatory response in advanced cases and keratolysis and lack of inflammatory cells in the flaps that were amputated early.

Joseph K.W. Hsu, MD, and colleagues recommend surgeons use caution when prescribing diclofenac use after LASIK. The study is published in the February issue of Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.