Topical diclofenac sodium in the management of anesthetic abuse keratopathy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of anesthetic abuse keratopathy and to suggest the use of topical diclofenac sodium in the management of this disorder.

METHOD: Narcotics and topical diclofenac were used to control pain in a patient who developed a corneal ulcer after abusing topical anesthetics.

RESULT: After the institution of topical diclofenac, the patient reported substantial improvement in comfort and less reliance on narcotic agents for analgesia.

CONCLUSION

We found topical diclofenac to be useful in controlling pain in this patient with anesthetic abuse keratopathy.