AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of bromfenac ophthalmic solution for easing postoperative pain after photorefractive keratectomy(PRK).

METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 60 patients underwent PRK. In addition to a standard regimen of topical antibiotics and topical steroids, 30 patients(the trial group)were treated withbromfenac ophthalmic solution twice daily from 3 days before surgery through 5 days after surgery. The other 30 patients(the control group)were treated with profenac ophthalmic solution four times daily from 3 days before surgery through 5 days after surgery. Patients completed a maximum pain assessment survey during the 5 days after surgery using the following 0-4 pain scale: 0=no pain, 1=mild pain, 2=moderate pain, 3=severe pain, 4=severe pain requiring immediate treatment.

RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference between the bromfenac group and the control group in maximum pain score(P<0.05). However, all patients reported a pain assessment score below 2, with the exception of 3 patients in the control group who reported a score of 3.

CONCLUSION:Bromfenac ophthalmic solution is a reasonable analgesia for postoperative pain after PRK.