Acular (active ingredient: ketorolac tromethamine) is a prescription eye medication used to reduce inflammation and relieve certain types of eye discomfort.
It is commonly prescribed after cataract surgery and may also be used to temporarily relieve itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Acular is applied directly to the eye as an ophthalmic solution. It works locally in the treated eye and should be used exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.
Inflammation After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Mild inflammation is common after this procedure because the tissues inside the eye have been disturbed.
Postoperative eye inflammation may cause:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Eye discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- A feeling of pressure or irritation
Acular helps reduce the inflammatory response after surgery. This may improve comfort and support the healing process.
It may be used alone or together with other eye medications, such as antibiotic or corticosteroid eye drops, depending on the treatment plan.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Acular may also be used for the temporary relief of itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to airborne allergens such as:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Ragweed
- Mould spores
- Other seasonal allergens
When an allergen enters the eye, the body releases inflammatory substances. These substances can cause itching, redness, watering, burning, swelling, and irritation.
Acular helps reduce the inflammatory substances involved in this reaction and may provide relief from eye itching.
Symptoms Acular May Help Relieve
Depending on why it is prescribed, Acular may help reduce:
- Eye itching
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Swelling
- Postoperative discomfort
- Sensitivity following eye surgery
Its main approved uses are inflammation after cataract surgery and temporary relief of allergy-related eye itching.
Mechanism of Action
Acular belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
The body produces substances called prostaglandins in response to injury, surgery, or irritation. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation, swelling, pain, redness, and itching.
Acular blocks enzymes called cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are involved in producing prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin production, the medication helps decrease inflammation and discomfort in the eye.
Local Treatment in the Eye
Because Acular is applied directly to the eye, it delivers the medication to the affected area.
Only a small amount is usually absorbed into the rest of the body. However, side effects and medication interactions are still possible, particularly with prolonged use or in people who are sensitive to NSAIDs.
Conditions Acular Does Not Treat
Acular does not treat every cause of eye redness, itching, or pain.
It does not treat:
- Bacterial eye infections
- Viral eye infections
- Fungal eye infections
- Dry eye disease
- Eye injuries
- Contact lens-related irritation
These conditions may require different treatment. A healthcare provider should assess symptoms that are severe, persistent, or accompanied by discharge or vision changes.
Use With Other Eye Medications
Acular may be prescribed with other ophthalmic medications. When more than one type of eye drop is used, the drops usually need to be separated by several minutes.
This helps prevent one medication from washing another out of the eye.
Follow the schedule provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not add other eye drops without medical guidance.
Contact Lens Use
Contact lenses should usually be removed before applying Acular.
Do not wear contact lenses while the eye is red, painful, inflamed, infected, or recovering from surgery unless an eye-care professional says it is safe.
The preservative in some eye-drop formulations may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
Treatment Duration
The length of treatment depends on why Acular is being used.
After cataract surgery, the drops may be used for a limited period during recovery. For seasonal eye allergies, they may be used temporarily while symptoms are present.
Do not continue treatment longer than prescribed. Prolonged use of ophthalmic NSAIDs may increase the risk of delayed healing or damage to the surface of the eye.
Important Treatment Considerations
Use Acular only in the eye. Do not swallow it or apply it to the skin.
Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, fingers, or another surface. This can contaminate the bottle and increase the risk of infection.
Temporary stinging or blurred vision may occur after the drops are applied. Avoid driving or performing activities that require clear vision until your eyesight returns to normal.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, become worse, or return after treatment.
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop:
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden vision changes
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Eye discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Bleeding in the eye
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- Persistent blurred vision
These symptoms may indicate an infection, delayed healing, or another condition requiring medical assessment.
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