Prolensa®

How to Use Prolensa

To help your eye heal after cataract surgery, use Prolensa as directed by your doctor. Typically, you'll be instructed to apply one drop to the affected eye(s) once daily, starting one day before your surgery and continuing for 14 days after surgery.

Key Tips for Use:

• Shake the bottle before use.

• Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.

• Apply one drop into the pocket and gently close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.

• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to keep the medication sterile.

• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Prolensa and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Prolensa may cause side effects. Common side effects experienced by 3-8% of patients include:

• Eye inflammation

• Foreign body sensation in the eye

• Eye pain

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Blurred vision

If you experience any severe reactions, such as increased redness, pain, or vision changes, stop using Prolensa and contact your doctor immediately.

Important Safety Information

• Allergic Reactions: Prolensa contains sodium sulfite, which may cause allergic reactions in certain people, particularly those with asthma.

• Slow Healing: NSAIDs like Prolensa may slow the healing process. Using Prolensa alongside other medications, such as corticosteroids, may further delay healing.

• Bleeding Risk: NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding during eye surgery, so use caution if you have bleeding tendencies.

• Corneal Reactions: Long-term use of Prolensa may cause serious issues with the cornea, such as thinning or ulcers. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any signs of corneal damage.

• Contact Lenses: Prolensa should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Prolensa before reinserting your lenses.

How Prolensa Works

Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07%) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by targeting and inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the body. These enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, play a key role in producing prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. After eye surgery, such as cataract removal, prostaglandins are released in response to the trauma, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Prolensa’s role is to block the action of these COX enzymes, particularly COX-2, which is more directly involved in inflammatory responses. By stopping prostaglandin production, Prolensa helps reduce inflammation in the eye, alleviating post-surgical symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling.

For more information or to explore other treatment options, visit the Prolensa website.\

Another common medication prescribed post-cataract surgery is Ilevro. To learn more, click here.