Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2011 Jul 25:3:21-4.
doi: 10.4137/OED.S7300. Print 2011.

Central corneal melting associated with reformulated generic diclofenac in a patient with inferior fornix foreshortening

Affiliations
Case Reports

Central corneal melting associated with reformulated generic diclofenac in a patient with inferior fornix foreshortening

Cameron Campbell Johnson. Ophthalmol Eye Dis. .

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of corneal melting in a patient with fornix foreshortening being treated with reformulated generic diclofenac.

Methods: Case report.

Results: An asymptomatic 76-year old man presented with central corneal melting while being treated with reformulated generic diclofenac. This formulation did not contain the vitamin E derivative, tocophersolan, which has been felt to contribute to corneal melting associated with generic diclofenac in the past. Other factors for corneal melting included multiple medication use and altered forniceal architecture, but did not include previous corneal or cataract surgery. Following discontinuation of the topical medications and temporary tarsorrhapy, the defect reepithelialized.

Conclusion: In patients with a compromised ocular surface, reformulated generic diclofenac has the potential to cause corneal melting without prior cataract or refractive surgery. Use should not be indiscriminate or without close supervision.

Keywords: NSAID; corneal melting; corneal ulcer; diclofenac.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Left eye at presentation showing a central corneal melt.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Foreshortening of the patient’s inferior fornix.

References

    1. Apotex Corp. Diclofenac Ophthalmic Solution Official FDA information, side effects and uses. Nov, 2008. [Accessed December 30, 2010]. [Drugs.com web site] Available at: http://www.drugs.com/pro/diclofenac-ophthalmic-solution.html.
    1. Flach A. Corneal melts associated with topically applied nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Tr Am Ophth Soc. 2001;99:205–12. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Letter, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASCRS, ASOA). “NSAID UPDATE”, August 11, 1999.

    1. Robertson SM. Vice Present, Pharmaceutical Products, Research and Development, Alcon. Urgent drug Recall. 1999 Sep 24;
    1. Hargrave SL, Jung JC, Fini ME, Gelender H, et al. Possible role of the vitamin E solubilizer in topical diclofenac on matrix metalloproteinase expression in corneal melting: an analysis of post operative keratolysis. Ophthalmology. 2002;109:343–50. - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources