Bromfenac eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a topical NSAID, used to reduce pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.
| Drug class | NSAID (Topical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.09% |
| Common Indian brands | Bromfenac 0.09% (multiple Indian brands) |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Bromfenac is used for
Bromfenac eye drops are prescribed by your ophthalmologist to help manage specific eye conditions. They belong to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and are applied directly to the eye.
- Post-operative pain and inflammation after cataract surgery: This medicine is primarily used to reduce discomfort and swelling in your eye following cataract surgery.
How it works
Bromfenac works as a potent anti-inflammatory medicine. After cataract surgery, your eye can experience inflammation and pain. Bromfenac helps to reduce these symptoms by targeting the chemical pathways in your eye that cause inflammation. Its long duration of action means it can effectively control inflammation with a convenient dosing schedule.
How it’s used
Always use Bromfenac eye drops exactly as your ophthalmologist has instructed. Do not change the dose or stop using the drops without consulting your doctor.
The typical dosing for Bromfenac eye drops is:
- 1 drop twice a day
Your doctor will tell you for how long you need to use these drops. Following the twice-daily dosing schedule is important for the medicine to work effectively and to ensure good compliance with your treatment plan.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Bromfenac 0.09% (multiple Indian brands)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Precautions & side effects
While Bromfenac eye drops are generally safe when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:
- Prescription Medicine: Bromfenac is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
- Corneal Melt Caution: Like other topical NSAIDs, there is a caution regarding corneal melt. Your doctor will monitor your eye health closely during treatment. If you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
- Dosing Compliance: Adhering to the twice-daily dosing schedule is important for the medicine’s effectiveness and to improve compliance with your treatment.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when and if you can resume wearing them during treatment with Bromfenac eye drops. It’s generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses while using eye drops, or at least to remove them before instilling the drops and wait for a specified time before reinserting them.
- Other Eye Drops: If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between instilling different types of drops to ensure each medicine has enough time to be absorbed and to prevent them from washing each other out.
Understanding Cataract Surgery and Post-Operative Care
Cataract surgery is a very common and safe procedure performed to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from your eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This surgery helps to restore clear vision. While cataract surgery is highly successful, it is still a surgical procedure, and it’s normal to experience some degree of inflammation and discomfort in your eye afterwards. This is where medicines like Bromfenac eye drops play a crucial role. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or surgery, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can hinder the healing process and cause pain. By using anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed by your ophthalmologist, you help to control this inflammation, reduce pain, and promote a smooth recovery, ensuring the best possible outcome for your vision.
It’s important to understand that your recovery journey after cataract surgery is a team effort between you and your doctor. Following all post-operative instructions, including the correct use of your eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and being mindful of your eye’s health, are all vital steps towards a successful recovery and maintaining your newly improved vision. If you have any concerns about your recovery or experience any unexpected symptoms, always reach out to your ophthalmologist promptly.
How to Correctly Instill Eye Drops
Using eye drops correctly is essential to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
- Check the Bottle: Ensure the bottle is clean and the dropper tip is not damaged. Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye or fingers, to avoid contamination.
- Prepare for Instillation: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Instill the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning the tip directly over your eye. Look upwards and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created in your lower eyelid.
- Close Your Eye Gently: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking vigorously or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
- Apply Pressure (Optional but Recommended): Gently press your finger on the inner corner of your eye, near your nose, for about a minute. This helps to prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and ensures more of it stays on the surface of your eye.
- Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.
If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each type to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.
General Eye Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, especially when recovering from surgery or using eye medicines. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate them and potentially introduce infection. Always use clean tissues to wipe around your eyes if needed. Store your eye drops as instructed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination and evaporation.
It’s important to know when to contact your ophthalmologist. While some mild discomfort and redness are normal after eye surgery, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Sudden decrease in vision or blurry vision that worsens
- Severe eye pain that is not relieved by your prescribed medication
- New or worsening redness in your eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Pus or discharge from your eye
- Fever or chills
- Any other unusual or concerning symptoms
Never hesitate to reach out to Pristine Eye Hospitals if you have any questions or concerns about your eye health or your prescribed treatment. Your well-being is our priority.
Frequently asked questions
What are Bromfenac eye drops used for?
Bromfenac eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a topical NSAID, used to reduce pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.
How do Bromfenac eye drops work?
Bromfenac works as a potent anti-inflammatory medicine. It helps to reduce pain and swelling in your eye by targeting the chemical pathways that cause inflammation, especially after surgery. It has a long duration of action.
What are the common Indian brands of Bromfenac 0.09% eye drops?
Bromfenac 0.09% is available under multiple Indian brands.
How should I use Bromfenac eye drops?
The typical dosing for Bromfenac eye drops is 1 drop twice a day. Always use it exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist.
Do I need a prescription for Bromfenac eye drops?
Yes, Bromfenac is a prescription eye medicine. You should only use it as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of when using Bromfenac eye drops?
Bromfenac is a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by your ophthalmologist. Like other topical NSAIDs, there is a caution regarding corneal melt, and your doctor will monitor your eye health. Following the twice-daily dosing schedule is important for effectiveness.
References
- Bromfenac Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information needed to use PROLENSA safely and effe – accessdata.fda.gov
- Bromfenac ophthalmic solution for the treatment of postoperative ocular pain and inflammation: safety, efficacy, and patient adherence – PMC
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.