Prolensa is an ophthalmic solution, which means it is used as an eye drop. It contains bromfenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.
Prolensa is usually prescribed once daily around the time of surgery.
A common dosing schedule is:
- 1 drop in the affected eye once daily
- Start 1 day before cataract surgery
- Continue on the day of surgery
- Keep using it for 14 days after surgery
Follow the exact schedule provided by your healthcare provider. Do not use more drops or continue treatment longer than recommended.
How to Apply Prolensa Eye Drops
Use Prolensa carefully so the medication reaches the eye without contaminating the bottle.
Follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the bottle.
- Remove the cap without touching the dropper tip.
- Tilt your head backward and look upward.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Hold the bottle above your eye with the dropper tip facing downward.
- Make sure the tip does not touch your eye, eyelid, eyelashes, fingers, or another surface.
- Gently squeeze the bottle and place 1 drop into the pocket of the lower eyelid.
- Release the lower eyelid and gently close your eye.
- Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye, near the nose, for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Avoid rubbing or squeezing your eye.
- Wipe away any excess liquid from the skin with a clean tissue.
- Replace the cap securely after use.
- Wash your hands again if any medication gets on them.
Pressing gently on the inner corner of the eye may help reduce the amount of medication that drains through the tear duct.
Avoid Touching the Dropper Tip
Keep the dropper tip clean at all times.
Do not allow it to touch:
- Your eye
- Eyelid
- Eyelashes
- Fingers
- Countertops or other surfaces
Touching the dropper tip can introduce bacteria into the bottle and increase the risk of an eye infection.
Do not rinse or wipe the dropper tip unless the product instructions specifically tell you to do so.
Using Prolensa With Other Eye Drops
You may be prescribed several eye medications after cataract surgery.
If you use more than one type of eye drop, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting at least several minutes between medications. This helps prevent one drop from washing another medication out of the eye.
Use each medication in the order and at the times recommended by your healthcare provider.
Contact Lenses
Follow your eye surgeon’s instructions about wearing contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Do not place contact lenses in the treated eye unless your healthcare provider has told you it is safe to do so.
Use Prolensa Exactly as Prescribed
Use only 1 drop at a time unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.
Using extra drops does not make Prolensa work faster or better. Excessive or prolonged use of ophthalmic NSAIDs may increase the risk of complications involving the surface of the eye and may interfere with healing.
Continue treatment for the full prescribed period unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Prolensa, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not:
- Use two doses at the same time.
- Apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose.
- Use Prolensa more frequently than prescribed.
If you are unsure what to do after missing a dose, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
Storage and Handling
Store Prolensa at room temperature according to the instructions provided with the medication.
To protect the eye drops:
- Keep the bottle tightly closed when it is not being used.
- Store it away from excessive heat.
- Keep it away from direct light.
- Avoid exposing the bottle to unnecessary moisture.
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Do not freeze Prolensa unless the product instructions specifically allow it.
Keep the Solution Clean
Check the bottle before each use. Do not use Prolensa if the container is damaged, leaking, or appears contaminated.
If the solution looks different from usual, contains visible particles, or you believe the dropper tip has become contaminated, contact your pharmacist before using it again.
Do not transfer Prolensa into another container.
Do Not Share Your Eye Drops
Prolensa should only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed.
Do not share the bottle with another person, even if they have similar eye symptoms. Sharing eye drops can spread bacteria or other microorganisms between people.
After Cataract Surgery
Follow all postoperative instructions provided by your eye surgeon. Prolensa is only one part of your recovery plan.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend:
- Avoiding rubbing the treated eye.
- Wearing an eyeshield for a certain period.
- Limiting strenuous physical activity.
- Avoiding swimming or exposing the eye to contaminated water.
- Attending follow-up eye examinations.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions even if your eye feels better.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Increasing eye pain
- Persistent or worsening redness
- Increased swelling
- New or worsening blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Severe irritation
- Unusual eye discharge
- Symptoms that are not improving as expected
These symptoms may indicate that your eye needs to be examined.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, a major change in vision, severe swelling, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Do not wait for your next routine appointment if your symptoms suddenly become severe after cataract surgery.
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