What is Ketorolac Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Ketorolac eye drops are a prescription medication that helps reduce pain and inflammation in your eyes. This medicine belongs to a group called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which work by blocking certain substances in your body that cause swelling and discomfort.

Your doctor might prescribe these drops after eye surgery or to treat specific eye conditions that cause irritation. Think of ketorolac as a targeted pain reliever that works directly where you need it most - right in your eye.

What is Ketorolac Eye Drops Used For?

Ketorolac eye drops treat pain and inflammation in your eyes, especially after certain types of eye surgery. The most common reason doctors prescribe these drops is to help you feel more comfortable during your recovery period.

Here are the main conditions where your doctor might recommend ketorolac eye drops:

• Pain relief after cataract surgery
• Reducing inflammation following other eye procedures
• Managing discomfort from corneal refractive surgery
• Treating seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in some cases

Your eye doctor will determine if ketorolac is right for your specific situation. Each person's needs are different, and what works best depends on your particular condition and medical history.

How Does Ketorolac Eye Drops Work?

Ketorolac eye drops work by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX) that create inflammation in your eye tissues. When these enzymes are blocked, your body produces fewer inflammatory substances, which means less pain and swelling.

This medication is considered moderately strong compared to other eye drops. It's more powerful than simple lubricating drops but gentler than steroid medications. The medicine starts working within a few hours of your first dose.

Unlike oral pain relievers that travel through your whole body, ketorolac eye drops work directly at the source of your discomfort. This targeted approach means you get effective relief with fewer body-wide effects.

How Should I Take Ketorolac Eye Drops?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but ketorolac eye drops are typically used 2-4 times per day. Always follow your prescription label exactly, as the dosing can vary based on your condition and surgery type.

Here's how to use your drops safely and effectively:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle
2. Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid
3. Hold the dropper close to your eye without touching it
4. Squeeze one drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid
5. Close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner for about one minute
6. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue

You don't need to take these drops with food or milk since they go directly into your eye. However, if you use other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between different drops to prevent them from washing each other out.

How Long Should I Take Ketorolac Eye Drops?

Most people use ketorolac eye drops for 1-2 weeks, though your doctor might recommend a different timeframe. The exact duration depends on what condition you're treating and how well you're healing.

After eye surgery, you'll typically use the drops for about 2 weeks to help manage post-operative inflammation. For other conditions, treatment might be shorter or longer based on your symptoms and response to the medication.

Don't stop using the drops suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. Your eye might still be healing internally, and stopping too early could lead to increased inflammation or discomfort.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketorolac Eye Drops?

Most people tolerate ketorolac eye drops well, but like any medication, they can cause side effects. The good news is that serious problems are uncommon, and most side effects are mild and temporary.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience:

• Temporary stinging or burning when you first put the drops in
• Mild eye irritation or redness
• Blurred vision for a few minutes after using the drops
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Increased sensitivity to light

These common effects usually improve as your eye adjusts to the medication. However, you should contact your doctor if they persist or worsen over time.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Severe eye pain that doesn't improve
• Vision changes that don't clear up quickly
• Signs of eye infection like pus or discharge
• Severe headache or nausea
• Unusual bleeding or bruising around the eye

In rare cases, ketorolac can slow down healing or increase the risk of eye problems, especially if used for extended periods. Your doctor will monitor your progress to catch any issues early.

Who Should Not Take Ketorolac Eye Drops?

Ketorolac eye drops aren't suitable for everyone. Your doctor needs to know about your complete medical history before prescribing this medication to ensure it's safe for you.

You should not use ketorolac eye drops if you have:

• An allergy to ketorolac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
• A history of asthma attacks triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs
• Certain bleeding disorders
• Active eye infections
• Severe kidney disease

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions, as they might affect whether ketorolac is right for you. Your doctor can suggest alternative treatments if ketorolac isn't suitable.

Special caution is needed if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. While the risk is generally low with eye drops, your doctor will weigh the benefits against any potential risks to you and your baby.

Ketorolac Eye Drops Brand Names

Ketorolac eye drops are available under several brand names, with Acular being the most common. You might also see it prescribed as Acular LS, which is a lower-strength version of the same medication.

Generic versions are also available and work just as effectively as the brand-name options. Your pharmacist can help you understand which version you're receiving and answer any questions about the specific product.

Whether you get the brand name or generic version, the active ingredient and effectiveness remain the same. Your insurance might prefer one option over another, but both are equally safe and effective when used as directed.

Ketorolac Eye Drops Alternatives

If ketorolac eye drops aren't right for you, several alternatives can help manage eye pain and inflammation. Your doctor will choose the best option based on your specific condition and medical history.

Other NSAID eye drops include diclofenac (Voltaren) and nepafenac (Nevanac). These work similarly to ketorolac but might be better tolerated by some people or more appropriate for certain conditions.

For more severe inflammation, your doctor might recommend steroid eye drops like prednisolone. These are stronger than NSAIDs but come with different side effects and require closer monitoring.

Non-medication alternatives include cold compresses, artificial tears, and rest. While these won't replace prescription medication when it's needed, they can provide additional comfort during your recovery.

Is Ketorolac Eye Drops Better Than Diclofenac?

Both ketorolac and diclofenac are effective NSAID eye drops, but they have some differences that might make one more suitable for your situation. Neither is universally "better" - it depends on your specific needs and how you respond to each medication.

Ketorolac tends to be slightly more potent and longer-lasting, which means you might need fewer doses throughout the day. Diclofenac is often gentler on the eye surface and might cause less stinging when you first use it.

Your doctor will consider factors like your surgery type, healing progress, and any previous reactions to medications when choosing between these options. Some people do better with one over the other, and switching is always possible if needed.