Analgesic effect of topical diclofenac versus betamethasone after posterior segment surgery

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. 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). 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). 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.