Indomethacin (Eye Drop)

Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory eye drop, specifically a topical NSAID, used to treat certain eye conditions like post-operative inflammation and to help prevent a condition called cystoid macular edema.

Drug class	NSAID (Topical)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.1%
Common Indian brands	Indocollyre (abroad)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Indomethacin is used for

Indomethacin eye drops are prescribed by ophthalmologists to help manage and prevent specific eye conditions. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Post-operative inflammation: After eye surgery, it’s common for the eye to experience some inflammation. Indomethacin helps to reduce this swelling and discomfort, aiding in the healing process.
• Maintaining intra-operative mydriasis: During certain eye surgeries, it’s important for the pupil to stay wide open (dilated). Indomethacin can help maintain this dilation throughout the procedure.
• Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) prevention: CME is a condition where fluid builds up in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This can sometimes occur after eye surgery. Indomethacin is used to help prevent the development of CME.

Your ophthalmologist will determine if Indomethacin is the right treatment for your specific eye condition based on your medical history and the nature of your eye problem.

How it works

Indomethacin belongs to a class of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). When applied as an eye drop, it works locally on the eye to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or irritation, but excessive inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, and can sometimes hinder healing or lead to complications. Indomethacin works by blocking certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation. By reducing these inflammatory signals, it helps to alleviate swelling and discomfort in the eye, which is beneficial in conditions like post-operative inflammation and in preventing conditions like cystoid macular edema.

How it’s used

Indomethacin eye drops should always be used exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing involves instilling 1 drop 3-4 times a day into the affected eye(s). It is crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose or duration of treatment. Your doctor will provide specific instructions tailored to your condition.

To ensure proper application and effectiveness, please follow these general steps for using eye drops:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
2. Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your pharmacist or doctor.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface with the tip to prevent contamination.
5. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
6. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without blinking or squeezing, to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
7. If you need to apply another drop to the same eye, wait at least 5-10 minutes between drops to ensure the first drop has been absorbed and to prevent the second drop from washing out the first.
8. If you are using other eye drops or ointments, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications. Always apply eye drops before eye ointments.
9. Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.
10. Wash your hands again after applying the drops.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, always consult your ophthalmologist or pharmacist.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Indocollyre (abroad)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Indomethacin eye drops are generally safe when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

• Corneal Melt Caution: Similar to other topical NSAIDs, there is a caution regarding the potential for corneal melt. This is a rare but serious condition affecting the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). Your ophthalmologist will monitor your eye health closely during treatment, especially if you have pre-existing corneal conditions or are undergoing prolonged treatment.
• Prescription Medicine: Indomethacin is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be used under the direct supervision and guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Indomethacin, other NSAIDs, or any other medications.
• Other Medical Conditions: Discuss your complete medical history with your ophthalmologist, especially if you have any other eye conditions, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or any conditions that might affect your healing or increase your risk of corneal problems.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will likely advise you to remove them before applying the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. It’s often recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment for eye inflammation or after eye surgery.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: After applying eye drops, you might experience temporary blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision is clear.
• Storage: Store the eye drops as instructed by your pharmacist, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye or fingers.

Always communicate any concerns or side effects you experience to your ophthalmologist promptly. They are the best resource for managing your eye health.

Understanding Eye Inflammation and Related Conditions

Our eyes are delicate and complex organs, and like any part of the body, they can experience inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. While it’s a vital part of the healing process, excessive or prolonged inflammation in the eye can cause discomfort, pain, redness, swelling, and even affect vision. Conditions like post-operative inflammation, which occurs after eye surgery, are common. Surgeries, even minor ones, can trigger an inflammatory response as the eye begins to heal. Medicines like Indomethacin are used to manage this inflammation, helping to reduce discomfort and promote smoother recovery.

Another condition Indomethacin helps prevent is Cystoid Macular Edema (CME). The macula is a small, central part of your retina, responsible for your sharp, detailed central vision – the vision you use for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. In CME, fluid builds up in the macula, causing it to swell. This swelling can distort or blur your central vision. CME can sometimes develop after eye surgery, even weeks or months later. By reducing inflammation, Indomethacin helps to prevent this fluid accumulation and protect your central vision. Your ophthalmologist will carefully assess your condition and determine if you are at risk for CME and if Indomethacin is an appropriate preventative measure.

Correct Eye Drop Application and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness and to prevent complications. Many patients find it challenging initially, but with practice, it becomes easier. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eye. When applying the drop, avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. This prevents contamination of the medicine. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eye tightly, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to ensure each drop has enough time to be absorbed and to prevent them from washing each other out. Always apply eye drops before any eye ointments. After use, replace the cap tightly on the bottle and wash your hands again. Proper hygiene not only ensures the medicine works as intended but also protects your eyes from potential infections.

General Advice: Storage, When to Seek Help, and Importance of Follow-Up

Storing your eye medicine correctly is vital for maintaining its potency and safety. Always keep your eye drops in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, unless specifically instructed otherwise by your pharmacist (some drops may require refrigeration). Ensure the bottle is tightly capped when not in use. Never use eye drops beyond their expiry date, and discard any remaining medicine after the recommended period (usually 28 days after opening, but check the specific instructions for your medicine). Using expired or contaminated drops can be harmful to your eyes.

It is paramount to attend all follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. These appointments allow your doctor to monitor your progress, check for any side effects, and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as increased pain, redness, swelling, discharge, vision changes, or any unusual discomfort while using Indomethacin, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Remember, this page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always rely on the guidance of your qualified ophthalmologist for diagnosis, treatment, and any questions regarding your eye health. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription, as eye conditions can be complex and require precise, individualized care.

Frequently asked questions

What is Indomethacin eye drop used for?

Indomethacin eye drops are used to treat post-operative inflammation in the eye, to help maintain pupil dilation during eye surgery (intra-operative mydriasis), and to prevent a condition called cystoid macular edema (CME) after eye surgery.

How does Indomethacin eye drop work?

Indomethacin is a topical Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It works by reducing inflammation in the eye by blocking certain natural substances that cause swelling and discomfort.

What are the common Indian brands for Indomethacin eye drops?

Indomethacin eye drops are not currently approved or routinely available in India. The brand 'Indocollyre' is known abroad. If your ophthalmologist recommends this molecule, they will discuss approved alternatives available in India.

How should I use Indomethacin eye drops?

You should use Indomethacin eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing is 1 drop 3-4 times a day. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.

Do I need a prescription for Indomethacin eye drops?

Yes, Indomethacin is a prescription-only eye medicine. It should only be used under the direct supervision and guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist.

What are the key precautions to take while using Indomethacin eye drops?

A key precaution is the potential for corneal melt, similar to other topical NSAIDs, which your ophthalmologist will monitor. Always use it as prescribed, inform your doctor about any allergies or other medical conditions, and remove contact lenses before application. Do not self-medicate.

References

1. Topical indomethacin shows promise for acute uveitic macular edema
2. Topical use of indomethacin on the day of cataract surgery – PMC
3. Eye Diseases – MedlinePlus
4. Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
5. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization

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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.