Analgesic effect of topical diclofenac versus betamethasone after posterior segment surgery

Background: In clinical use, topical diclofenac, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory, was found to be remarkably effective as an analgesic. A trial was therefore conducted to quantify and compare this effect with that of other drugs commonly used after posterior segment surgery. Methods: A single-blind, randomized study of 37 patients undergoing posterior segment surgery was conducted. On the day of surgery and for 30 days thereafter, one group received topical diclofenac 0.1% and one group received topical betamethasone 0.1%. Pain intensity was assessed by two standard psychologic tests, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Scott’s Visual Analogic Scale (VAS). Results: The group receiving diclofenac had significantly lower pain scores on the MPQ at days 1 and 15 (P <0.05 and P <0.03, respectively). The VAS scores were also statistically lower for this group on day 15 (P <0.03). Conclusion: Topical diclofenac 0.1% has greater analgesic action than topical betamethasone 0.1% without the side effects of steroids, and may be useful after posterior segment surgery.