Corneal sensitivity after topical bromfenac sodium eye-drop instillation

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety of bromfenac sodium eye drops from the standpoint of corneal sensitivity and tear secretion in healthy controls following instillation for 1 month. METHODS A prospective single-blind parallel clinical study was conducted in 20 eyes of ten healthy volunteers with no history of ocular or systemic allergic disease, dry eye, contact lens wear, or ocular surgery. Participants were instructed to instill either bromfenac sodium or artificial tears in each eye twice daily for 28 days. Corneal sensitivity tested using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer was evaluated before and immediately after instillation at 7, 14, and 28 days after the initiation of treatment. Tear secretion was also evaluated by Schirmer's eye test before and at 28 days. RESULTS No significant difference in mean corneal sensitivity and tear-secretion rate was observed between the bromfenac and artificial-tear treatment groups at any time. CONCLUSION These results indicate that bromfenac sodium eye drops are safe with respect to corneal sensitivity and tear secretion in subjects with a normal ocular surface condition. Further evaluation is still necessary to determine whether bromfenac is safe in pathological conditions, such as inflammatory disorders and postsurgical cases.