The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of oral potassium diclofenac in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy submitted to retinal photocoagulation.

Two groups of patients were followed and the effect of the treatment (diclofenac plus laser) was compared to placebo (placebo plus laser). Pain associated with treatment was recorded using a Visual Analog Scale 15 minutes after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1)high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1)history of prior laser treatment or vitrectomy; 2) allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; 3) any condition affecting comprehension of VAS pain score test; 4) Contra-indications for diclofenac use such as pregnancy, bleeding disorders, asthma, or renal failure; 5) use of any analgesic drug for the last 24 hours.