Management of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery: focus on bromfenac ophthalmic solution

Review

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Authors: Hyung Cho, Kenneth J Wolf, Eric J Wolf

Published Date March 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 199 - 210

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S4806

Hyung Cho¹, Kenneth J Wolf¹, Eric J Wolf²

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA; ²Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

Abstract: Recently, several new ophthalmic NSAID products have been introduced for commercial use in the United States. The purpose of this review is to briefly overview the ophthalmic NSAIDs currently in use and to discuss the management of postoperative ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery with a particular focus on bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09%. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% is indicated for the reduction of ocular pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. Studies have shown that bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% has equivalent efficacy to the other topical NSAIDs in reducing postsurgical inflammation and controlling pain. The unique chemical structure of bromfenac makes it both a potent inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme and a highly lipophilic molecule that rapidly penetrates to produce early and sustained drug levels in all ocular tissues. Clinically, these pharmacokinetic features are manifested in a rapid reduction of postsurgical inflammation and pain with bid dosing. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% is a versatile agent and is effective when used as either monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy to steroids.

Keywords: bromfenac, ophthalmic NSAIDs, ocular inflammation

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