Arachidonic acid metabolites after excimer laser corneal surgery.

Objective: We investigated early mediators of inflammation following excimer laser ablation in a rabbit cornea model. The ability of topical anti-inflammatory agents to influence these responses was also examined. Methods: Adult New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to photorefractive keratectomy with a 193-nm argon fluoride excimer laser. Prostaglandin E 2 and leukotriene B 4 levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay, and leukocyte infiltration was determined histologically. Results: Prostaglandin E 2 production was rapid and sustained, but we were unable to detect the presence of leukotriene B 4 . Relative to control, postoperative topical diclofenac sodium treatment caused a significant decrease in prostaglandin E 2 levels and a significant increase in corneal leukocytes at 10 hours. Fluorometholone treatment did not significantly alter prostaglandin E 2 levels but markedly depressed leukocyte ingress. Conclusions: Diclofenac reduces prostaglandin E 2 levels but not leukocyte infiltration in the cornea following photorefractive keratectomy and thus may be useful clinically to reduce postsurgical pain.