Pain after excimer laser surgery has been a major problem. Recently, there have been reports that topical diclofenac sodium can decrease postoperative discomfort.1,2 We investigated whether this effect was due to any anesthetic properties of the diclofenac eyedrops.
For several years we have used the corneal microanesthesiometer to measure corneal sensation. This is a noncontact device that uses air puffs to convey force to the cornea. Sensitivity threshold determination is based on stimulation of the cornea by air puffs of varying intensity. Its accuracy and reliability has been tested on over 400 eyes.3
Ten volunteers were recruited for the study. All had normal eye examination results. There was no history of any systemic or ocular disease that might affect corneal sensation. The 10 subjects ranged in age from 22 to 52 years.
Corneal sensation was tested in each eye using the corneal microanesthesiometer. One drop of balanced salt