Possible adverse effects of drugs used in refractive surgery.

Adverse drug reaction reports were compiled from the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA; the United States Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland; the World Health Organization, Uppsala, Sweden; and a Medline literature review of the past 50 years. The reported side effects of mydriatics, cycloplegics, benzodiazepines, tetracyclines, iodine, topical anesthetics, medications used for hemostasis, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, steroids, antibiotics, and artificial tears are described. Physicians should be aware of the side-effect profile and current industry standards for medications used in corneal refractive surgery, including off-label uses. Guidelines are provided for some classes of medications.