Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops are an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat pain and swelling in the eye, often after surgery or due to certain eye conditions.
| Drug class | NSAID (Topical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.4% / 0.5% |
| Common Indian brands | Acular LS, Ketlur, Ketorol Eye |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Ketorolac Tromethamine is used for
Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops are an important medicine prescribed to help manage various eye conditions. This medication is primarily used to:
- Relieve pain and reduce inflammation after eye surgery.
- Help prevent a condition called cystoid macular oedema, which can sometimes occur after eye surgery.
- Treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, such as itching and redness.
- Alleviate pain following a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye).
By addressing these issues, Ketorolac Tromethamine helps in the recovery process and improves comfort for patients.
How it works
Ketorolac Tromethamine belongs to a category of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When you experience pain or swelling in your eye, it’s often due to certain natural chemicals called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are responsible for causing inflammation and the sensation of pain.
This eye drop works by blocking the production of these prostaglandins. By doing so, it effectively reduces the pain and swelling in your eye. A significant advantage of Ketorolac Tromethamine is that it achieves this anti-inflammatory effect without being a steroid, which means it avoids the potential side effects associated with steroid eye drops.
How it’s used
Always use Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing involves instilling 1 drop into the affected eye four times a day. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the frequency and duration of use.
Before using the eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle upside down directly over your eye. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without blinking excessively, to allow the medicine to spread. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to ensure each drop is absorbed properly. Do not stop using the drops suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, as this could lead to a return of your condition.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Acular LS
- Ketlur
- Ketorol Eye
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 Tromethamine eye drops are generally safe and effective, there are a few important precautions to be aware of:
- Stinging Sensation: You might experience a temporary stinging sensation immediately after instilling the drops. This is usually mild and resolves quickly.
- Corneal Health: In very rare cases, prolonged use of these drops on an eye with a compromised or unhealthy cornea can lead to a serious condition called corneal melting. Your doctor will monitor your eye health closely if long-term use is necessary.
- Aspirin Allergy: If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, you should inform your doctor immediately, as this medicine should be avoided in such cases.
- Prescription Only: This is a prescription eye medicine. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
- Contamination: Always ensure the dropper tip does not touch your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination of the solution.
Understanding Eye Inflammation and Pain
Eye inflammation and pain are common symptoms that can arise from various causes, ranging from simple irritations to more serious conditions like infections or post-surgical recovery. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or irritation, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. In the eye, this can manifest as discomfort, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a feeling of grittiness. Conditions like conjunctivitis (inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and inner eyelids), corneal abrasions (scratches on the clear front surface of the eye), and post-operative recovery after eye surgery are frequent scenarios where inflammation and pain need to be carefully managed. Medicines like Ketorolac Tromethamine play a crucial role in reducing these symptoms, helping your eye heal more comfortably and efficiently. Your ophthalmologist will diagnose the specific cause of your eye discomfort and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
Correct Eye Drop Instillation and Hygiene
Proper technique for using eye drops is vital to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of introducing germs into your eye. When applying the drops, gently tilt your head back and use one hand to pull down your lower eyelid, creating a small pocket. With the other hand, hold the dropper bottle upside down, directly over your eye, without letting the tip touch your eye, eyelashes, or any other surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pocket. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes, avoiding excessive blinking or squeezing your eyelids shut. This allows the medicine to be absorbed properly and prevents it from draining out too quickly. If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applications to ensure each medication has enough time to be absorbed without washing out the previous one. Always replace the cap tightly after use.
Storage, When to Seek Help, and General Advice
Storing your eye drops correctly is important for maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Always keep Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Do not freeze the medicine. Ensure the bottle is kept out of reach of children. Check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any unused medicine after this date, or as advised by your pharmacist or doctor, typically within one month of opening. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections. It is important to be vigilant about your eye health. While Ketorolac Tromethamine helps manage symptoms, if your pain or inflammation worsens, if you experience new symptoms such as severe vision changes, increased redness, discharge, or persistent irritation, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of a more serious issue that requires urgent medical attention. Remember, this medicine is a prescription-only drug, and its use should always be guided by a qualified eye specialist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription without professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ketorolac Tromethamine used for?
Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops are used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgery, prevent cystoid macular oedema, relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, and reduce pain after a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye).
How does Ketorolac Tromethamine work?
It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are natural chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the eye without the side effects associated with steroids.
What are the common Indian brands for Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops?
Some common Indian brands for Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops include Acular LS, Ketlur, and Ketorol Eye.
How should I use Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops?
The typical dose is 1 drop instilled into the affected eye four times a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions. Wash your hands before use, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and gently squeeze one drop into the eye. Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.
Do I need a prescription for Ketorolac Tromethamine eye drops?
Yes, Ketorolac Tromethamine is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
What precautions should I take while using this medicine?
You might feel a temporary stinging sensation after instillation. Prolonged use on a compromised cornea can rarely lead to corneal melting. It should be avoided if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Always use it only as prescribed by your doctor.
References
- Ketorolac (Acular) ophthalmic: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
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.