Ketorolac PF is a preservative-free anti-inflammatory eye drop used to reduce pain and inflammation after eye surgery, especially for patients sensitive to preservatives or those needing frequent drops.
| Drug class | NSAID (Topical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop (unit dose) |
| Common strength | 0.4% / 0.5% |
| Common Indian brands | Preservative-free generics |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Ketorolac PF is used for
Ketorolac PF eye drops are primarily prescribed to manage and reduce:
- Post-operative pain: Discomfort experienced after eye surgery.
- Post-operative inflammation: Swelling and irritation that can occur in the eye following surgical procedures.
It is particularly beneficial for patients who may be sensitive to preservatives found in other eye drops or for those who require frequent application of eye drops.
How it works
Ketorolac PF belongs to a category of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). When applied to the eye, it works by blocking the production of certain natural substances in your body that cause pain and inflammation. By doing so, it helps to reduce the discomfort, redness, and swelling in your eye, especially after surgery. The ‘PF’ in Ketorolac PF stands for ‘Preservative-Free’, meaning it does not contain preservatives that can sometimes irritate the eye surface, making it a gentler option for sensitive eyes or for prolonged use.
How it’s used
Always use Ketorolac PF eye drops exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing involves:
- Dosage: Instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s).
- Frequency: This should be done 4 times a day.
Your doctor will advise you on the exact duration for which you need to use these drops. Do not stop using them without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, as this could lead to a return of inflammation or pain.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Preservative-free generics
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 Ketorolac PF is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of certain precautions:
- Prescription Medicine: Ketorolac PF is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
- Surface Toxicity: The preservative-free formulation of Ketorolac PF is specifically designed to reduce potential surface toxicity to the eye, making it a suitable option for patients who are sensitive to preservatives or require frequent eye drop application.
- General Eye Drop Precautions:
- Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye, to avoid contamination.
- If you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor before using these drops. They may advise you to remove your lenses before instilling the drops and wait for a certain period before reinserting them.
- If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applying different types of drops to ensure each medicine is absorbed properly.
- If you experience any unusual eye pain, redness, irritation, or changes in vision while using these drops, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding your treatment.
Understanding Post-Operative Eye Conditions
After undergoing eye surgery, it’s very common to experience some degree of pain and inflammation. This is a natural part of the healing process as your eye recovers from the surgical procedure. Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself and initiating repair, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can cause discomfort, redness, swelling, and sometimes even affect your vision. Pain can range from a mild ache to a more noticeable sensation, and managing it effectively is crucial for your comfort and recovery. Your ophthalmologist prescribes medicines like Ketorolac PF to help control these symptoms, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable healing journey. It’s important to understand that these symptoms are usually temporary and with proper care and medication, they will subside as your eye heals.
Correctly Instilling Eye Drops
Using eye drops correctly is vital to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
- Prepare the Drop: If you are using a unit-dose vial (which is common for preservative-free drops), twist off the cap. Make sure the dropper tip does not touch any surface.
- Tilt Your Head: Gently tilt your head back or lie down.
- Create a Pouch: With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper directly over your eye, without touching your eye or eyelashes. Squeeze the bottle or vial gently to release one drop into the pouch you created.
- Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
- Apply Pressure: If advised by your doctor, you can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and throat.
- Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
- Discard Unit-Dose: If using a unit-dose vial, discard it immediately after use, even if there is medicine left. Do not save it for later.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.
If you find it difficult to instil the drops yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you, ensuring they also follow proper hygiene.
General Eye Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is paramount, especially when recovering from surgery. Always use clean hands when touching your eyes or applying medication. Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously, as this can irritate them or dislodge healing tissues. For storage, always keep your Ketorolac PF eye drops in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not freeze the drops. Check the expiry date on the packaging and do not use expired medication.
While Ketorolac PF helps manage common post-operative symptoms, it’s important to be vigilant for any signs that might indicate a complication or require immediate medical attention. Contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, severe, or worsening eye pain.
- Significant decrease in vision or sudden changes in vision.
- Increased redness or discharge from your eye.
- Swelling around the eye that worsens.
- Flashes of light or new floaters in your vision.
- Any allergic reaction symptoms like severe itching, rash, or difficulty breathing.
- If you accidentally use more drops than prescribed or if you miss several doses.
Your doctor is your best resource for any concerns regarding your eye health and recovery. Always follow their advice and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ketorolac PF used for?
Ketorolac PF is an anti-inflammatory eye drop primarily used to reduce pain and inflammation in the eye after surgery. It is particularly helpful for patients who are sensitive to preservatives or need to use eye drops frequently.
How does Ketorolac PF work?
Ketorolac PF works by blocking certain natural substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. This helps to reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort in the eye. Being 'preservative-free' means it is gentler on the eye surface, especially for sensitive eyes.
What are the common Indian brands for Ketorolac PF?
Ketorolac PF is typically available as preservative-free generic eye drops in India. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe the specific generic brand suitable for your condition.
How should I use Ketorolac PF eye drops?
You should use Ketorolac PF exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The usual dosage is one drop into the affected eye(s) four times a day. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding the duration of use.
Do I need a prescription for Ketorolac PF?
Yes, Ketorolac PF is a prescription eye medicine. You must use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist and should not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
What precautions should I take while using Ketorolac PF?
Always use Ketorolac PF under the guidance of your ophthalmologist. The preservative-free form helps reduce surface toxicity to the eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, and if you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor before use. Report any unusual eye pain, redness, irritation, or vision changes to your doctor immediately.
References
- Ketorolac – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Eye Diseases – MedlinePlus
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
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.