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Topical drugs may overtake NSAIDs for control of postsurgical haze and inflammation
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SAN FRANCISCO — While topical NSAIDs will continue to play a role in pain management after corneal refractive surgery, topical mitomycin C and cyclosporine 0.05% may become the preferred option for reducing postsurgical haze and inflammation, according to a speaker here.
"Intracorneal and intraocular drug penetration [are] greatly enhanced after corneal refractive surgery because of the reduced corneal thickness and damaged corneal epithelium," Roberto Bellucci, MD, said at Refractive Surgery Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. "Therefore, we can expect the bioavailability of any drug to be greater than with normal eyes."
Dr. Bellucci recommended a 0.05% dose of topical of cyclosporine, applied twice-daily for up to 3 months postop, to reduce inflammation and symptoms of dry eye. To control haze, a 0.02% dose of mitomicin C intraoperatively is effective, Dr. Bellucci said.
"Drugs with pharmacologic activity should be used only at, or below, the recommended dose," Dr. Bellucci said.