What are the BEST Eyedrops for After Cataract Surgery?

 When you’re recovering from cataract surgery, you’ll be expected to use eyedrops during the recovery process. These drops have multiple roles—indeed, your surgeon might prescribe more than one or they may change after the first few weeks.

But are some better than others? Why might you have more than one kind and why might your surgeon advise changing them after a week or so?

To answer this, we need to understand a little about what cataract removal does to the eye and surrounding tissues. Once we know that, the science of eyedrops becomes clearer and we can talk about what may be the best eyedrops for after cataract surgery.

Cataracts and the Role of Eyedrops Post-Surgery

• Why do you need eyedrops after cataract surgery?
• What are the best eyedrops for after cataract surgery? 
• Are the most expensive eyedrops for cataract surgery the best?

Why do we need eyedrops after cataract surgery?

The nature of cataract surgery causes damage to the eye tissue. This is necessary for the surgeon to be able to get to the lens, which is inside the eye. 

You’ll be prescribed eyedrops to use after cataract surgery for the following reasons:

• To reduce tissue inflammation.
• To reduce the risk of infection.
• To reduce pain.

Each is important. They work together to promote the healing process and to make the eye feel as comfortable as possible. In turn, this lowers the risk that you’ll inadvertently touch or rub the area—the more irritation you experience, the more likely you are to do this.

What are the best eyedrops for after cataract surgery? 

None of the eyedrops are better than the others—they all play an equally important role. Let’s look at each type in more detail:  

• Steroid eyedrops: These are used to reduce inflammation (which also reduces pain, so they have a dual effect). As well as reducing swelling of the tissues, steroid eyedrops play a key role in helping prevent a condition, known as macular edema. Edema is where fluid builds up in a tissue—in this case, the macula—which is the part of the eye responsible for seeing fine detail. While the area commonly swells after cataract surgery—it’s one of the reasons you get blurred vision—these eyedrops help it dissipate as soon as possible.
• Antibiotic eye drops: These reduce the risk of infection, something that’s very important to try and avoid. You may start these drops a few days before the surgery.
• Pain-reducing eyedrops: Or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These reduce pain and swelling, but—as the name suggests—don’t contain steroids. They might be used instead of or in conjunction with steroid eyedrops.

Are the most expensive eyedrops for cataract surgery the best?

The cost of the eyedrops doesn’t determine how successful they might be. Different eyedrops contain different drugs, and each of us responds in our own unique way to medication.

Some common steroid eyedrops contain prednisolone or loteprednol. The former is a little more expensive. Your eye doctor will recommend which one is best for you. 

Antibiotic eyedrops typically contain either moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin, with the latter being the cheaper option. NSAID eyedrops contain either ketorolac, bromfenac, or nepafenac. The first two are relatively inexpensive, but the last costs significantly more.

Cost has no bearing on the effectiveness of each—it wholly depends on which is the right choice for you.

Want to Know More about Eyedrops After Cataract Surgery? Contact the WBEC Today

From getting information about the best eyedrops to use post-surgery to questions about anything else to do with cataracts, the West Boca Eye Center team is dedicated to empowering their patients with knowledge.

Clinical lead, Brent Bellotte M.D., is a world-leading surgeon who has and continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of cataract surgery. His passion for excellence extends to the clinic’s commitment to providing the very best advice, both pre- and post-procedure.

Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery for more information and call today to book a consultation.

When you’re recovering from cataract surgery, you’ll be expected to use eyedrops during the recovery process. These drops have multiple roles—indeed, your surgeon might prescribe more than one or they may change after the first few weeks.

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