Is it safe to use topical NSAIDs for corneal sensitivity in Sjögren’s syndrome patients?

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye is an inflammatory disease accompanied by an impairment of the autonomous nervous system of the ocular surface. The therapy for this condition is shifting from the mere tear replacement to a more complex approach including an anti-inflammatory treatment. Clinical trials have evidenced that the use of NSAIDs is followed by a reduction of the ocular discomfort symptoms in dry-eye patients. However, sporadic case reports of corneal melting in dry-eye subjects who underwent surgical procedures has brought attention to the possible effect that NSAIDs may have on corneal sensitivity. Therefore, the effect of NSAID treatment on corneal sensitivity in normal subjects and in patients with dry eye was studied. The results of these trials seem to demonstrate that some NSAIDs, diclofenac in particular, have the effect of reducing corneal sensitivity both in normal subjects and in patients with dry eye. Therefore, NSAIDs should be used with caution in Sjögren’s syndrome patients.