Bromfenac eye drops are a prescription-strength, topical ophthalmic solution classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medication is applied directly to the eye’s surface to reduce inflammation and manage pain locally. As a prescription drug, a physician must determine its suitability for an individual patient’s condition. Bromfenac is generally used for short-term treatment following certain types of eye procedures to ensure a smoother recovery.
Primary Medical Applications
The primary use of bromfenac eye drops is centered on managing the consequences of ocular surgery. Specifically, the medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and the reduction of ocular pain following cataract surgery. This is the most common and established indication for its use across various concentrations and brand names.
The drops are typically started one day before the operation and continued for a period of up to 14 days after the procedure. Initiating treatment before surgery allows the medication to build up in the eye tissues, preparing the eye to handle the inflammatory response that naturally occurs after surgical trauma. This regimen helps to minimize swelling and discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
Although the primary indication is post-cataract care, the medication is also utilized for managing inflammation and pain after other eye procedures, such as refractive surgery. Bromfenac’s potent anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable tool for controlling general ocular inflammation in specific cases.
How Bromfenac Functions
Bromfenac works by interfering with the body’s natural pain and inflammation pathways. It operates as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug by inhibiting key enzymes called cyclooxygenase, or COX. These enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2, are responsible for initiating the synthesis of prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that trigger the responses of inflammation, pain, and swelling. By blocking the COX enzymes, bromfenac effectively reduces the production of these pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. This reduction in chemical mediators leads directly to a decrease in fluid accumulation and pain sensation in the eye.
Bromfenac is known for its ability to penetrate the cornea effectively and maintain therapeutic concentrations in the ocular tissue for an extended period, which allows for convenient once-daily or twice-daily dosing regimens. Its chemical structure is believed to enhance this penetrative capability and potency against the COX-2 enzyme, contributing to its effectiveness in treating intraocular inflammation. This localized action helps to control the inflammatory cascade without the side effects associated with systemic NSAID use.
Guidelines for Proper Use
Before handling the bottle, it is necessary to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. The person should tilt their head back and pull the lower eyelid down to create a small pocket for the drop.
Care must be taken to avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. Contact can contaminate the solution, potentially leading to a severe eye infection. After applying the single drop as prescribed, the eyelid should be gently closed for a moment to allow the medication to absorb.
The typical dosing schedule is one drop either once or twice a day, depending on the specific concentration prescribed, starting the day before surgery and continuing for approximately two weeks after. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as it is remembered; however, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid applying two doses too close together.
If a person uses other topical ophthalmic medications, a separation of at least five minutes between the instillation of each product is required. Contact lenses should be removed before applying the drops because the preservative in the solution can be absorbed by the lens. Lenses can be safely reinserted approximately ten minutes after the drops have been administered.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Warnings
While bromfenac eye drops are generally well-tolerated, individuals may experience some mild, local side effects. The most common reactions include:
- A temporary burning or stinging sensation immediately after application.
- Eye irritation.
- A feeling that something is present in the eye.
- Eye redness.
- A mild headache.
Less common, but still possible, side effects include blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or inflammation of the iris. Because bromfenac is an NSAID, it carries a warning that its use may slow or delay the normal healing process of the eye following surgery. This risk is heightened when the drops are used for longer than the recommended duration or when combined with topical steroid eye drops.
In rare instances, severe adverse reactions affecting the cornea can occur. These serious complications include corneal thinning, erosion, ulceration, or even perforation, which can threaten vision. Patients must seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or persistent redness and irritation. Additionally, any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or hives, require emergency care.