Critical appraisal of ophthalmic ketorolac in treatment of pain and inflammation following cataract surgery

Abstract

Rahul Reddy, Stephen Jae KimDepartment of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USABackground: The purpose of this review was to provide a critical appraisal of the literature supporting the efficacy of ophthalmic ketorolac (Acuvail®) in the treatment of pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.Methods: Literature search and expert opinion of the authors.Results: Recent studies indicate greater intraocular drug levels in the anterior chamber and iris-ciliary body after topical application of Acuvail in comparison with older formulations of ketorolac. A large randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled study demonstrated significantly less inflammation and pain after cataract surgery using Acuvail.Conclusion: Acuvail appears to be effective in reducing post-cataract surgery pain and inflammation.Keywords: ketorolac tromethamine, Acuvail®, postsurgical, cystoid macular edema, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs