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NSAID eye drops are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines used in eye care. They help reduce inflammation, pain, burning, stinging, or itching in selected eye conditions. Common examples include ketorolac, bromfenac, nepafenac, and diclofenac. Most NSAID eye drops are prescription medicines and should be used only as directed.
read more about nsaid eye drops ...NSAID eye drops block cyclooxygenase enzymes, also called COX enzymes. These enzymes help produce prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin production, NSAID drops can lower eye discomfort and inflammatory response. They are different from steroid eye drops because they do not work through corticosteroid pathways.
Eye doctors prescribe NSAID eye drops after cataract surgery to reduce pain and inflammation. Some are also used for ocular itching from allergic conjunctivitis or discomfort after corneal refractive surgery, depending on the specific product. They can be used with other eye medicines when the doctor recommends it. The dosing schedule varies widely by product, surgery type, and treatment goal.
Ketorolac is used for allergic eye itching and for pain or inflammation in certain surgical settings, depending on the formulation. Bromfenac and nepafenac are commonly used around cataract surgery to reduce postoperative pain and inflammation. Diclofenac is another ophthalmic NSAID used in selected eye-care situations. These medicines are not interchangeable, so patients should follow the exact product directions.
NSAID eye drops can cause burning, stinging, redness, eye pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. They can slow or delay healing after surgery and can increase bleeding risk in some surgical settings. Rare but serious corneal problems, including thinning, ulceration, or perforation, have been reported with topical NSAID use, especially in susceptible patients. Call an eye doctor for worsening pain, reduced vision, discharge, severe redness, or a feeling that the cornea is getting worse.
No, NSAID eye drops are not steroids. They reduce inflammation through prostaglandin pathways rather than corticosteroid pathways.
Examples include ketorolac, bromfenac, nepafenac, and diclofenac. The best choice depends on the eye condition, surgery type, and prescriber's plan.
Yes, several NSAID eye drops are used after cataract surgery to reduce pain and inflammation. The exact dose and length of treatment depend on the product and surgeon's instructions.
Rarely, topical NSAIDs can cause serious corneal problems, especially with prolonged use or in susceptible eyes. Report worsening pain, reduced vision, or persistent irritation right away.
BROMFENAC solution/drops. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=2b2621e7-a69e-4286-a7e7-0fc31a91fe29. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Ketorolac Tromethamine Ophthalmic Solution, 0.4%. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=947e29c2-a270-48e0-ba96-c7ed676db871. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
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