Cannabinoid vs Opioid for Photorefractive Keratectomy Pain Control

Randomized, Controlled Cross-over Comparison of Cannabinoid to Oral Opioid for Postoperative Photorefractive Keratectomy Pain Control

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a commonly performed corneal refractive surgery but has significant post-operative pain. Pain medications after PRK are typically opioid-acetaminophen combinations. Alternatives to opioid medication are worth consideration. Patients will receive PRK in each eye sequentially, using the cannabinoid or codeine/acetaminophen for one eye and the other treatment for the fellow eye two weeks later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults older than 18 years with refractive stability for 1 year electing to have PRK surgery
• Consenting to participate
• Not meeting exclusion criteria will be included in the study population.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients not candidates for PRK will be excluded from the study.
• Patients taking other pain medications for concomitant medical conditions including, but not limited to tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin and tramadol will be excluded from the study.
• Additional exclusion criteria will be known or suspected allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the routine or study medications.
• Patients completing follow up appointments at anywhere other than UF Health Ophthalmology clinic at the Oaks will not be enrolled in the study.
• Patients who are pregnant or nursing are not eligible for PRK, and such patients are not eligible to enroll in this study. Female patients of child-bearing age will be pregnancy tested before surgery and study enrollment.
• Patients will be specifically counseled, and it will be noted in the written informed consent that use of the cannabinoid product may result in a positive THC urinalysis screening test so they may self-exclude if such a situation could cause social and/or employment conflict.