ACUVAIL (KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE)

Description of Acuvail

Acuvail is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation after cataract surgery. Treatment with Acuvail (Ketorolac Tromethamine) usually begins the day prior to surgery and is continued for no more than fourteen days post-op to treat any ocular inflammation, irritation, and burning or stinging that may occur after the procedure. Acuvail is available in convenient single-dose vials so there is no guessing if you received too many or too few drops.

How Acuvail Works

The active ingredient in Acuvail is called Ketorolac Tromethamine. When administered as directed, it is quickly absorbed into your eye(s) and blocks the action of an enzyme in your body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX).

Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in producing inflammatory chemicals, including prostaglandins as an immune response to an injury or surgical procedures that involves your eye/eyes such as cataracts, high ocular pressure, or glaucoma. These prostaglandins cause pain, swelling and inflammation which can be very uncomfortable as you try to rest. With Acuvail blocking the action of the COX enzymes, prostaglandin production is inhibited so pain and inflammation is reduced to allow you comfort while recovering.

Conditions Treated by Acuvail

A cataract is a cloudy film that grows over the eye's lens and impairs vision. Cataract surgery is a relatively common procedure that involves the removal of your cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant. This is all performed through a small incision made in the side of your cornea where a qualified ophthalmologist will insert a very small high-frequency ultrasound to break up and suction out the cloudy lens. This process is called phacoemulsification, and is done as an out-patient procedure.

Acuvail may also be prescribed following corneal refractive surgery. Most types of vision correction surgery work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. Other types involve replacing the eye’s natural lens.

Before You Use Acuvail

Before using Acuvail, advise your doctor of your medical history, especially of; aspirin-sensitive asthma, bleeding problems, recent multiple eye surgeries, eye problems such as dry eye syndrome, corneal problems, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, nasal polyps. Ask your doctor if Acuvail is safe to use if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.

Proper Use of Acuvail

Contact lenses must be removed before using the eye drops and can be put back in fifteen minutes afterwards. After instilling Acuvail, wait at least five minutes between using this medication and other drops that have been approved or prescribed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects of Acuvail

• Burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes
• Eye pain or watering
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Redness
• Swelling of the eyelid

You should check with your doctor if you experience the following side effects: drooping eye lid; swelling of the eye; continued blurred vision or vision changes.