A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, ketorolac reduces the body’s inflammation and pain-inducing hormones. So it can be used to relieve the eye itching from seasonal allergies and the swelling, pain, burning, or stinging from cataract surgery and corneal refractive surgery.

An important medication for eye irritation, ketorolac will give you the best results for your eyes if you take the medication as instructed by your doctor and prescription label. Otherwise, unauthorized use or prolonged use of this NSAID medication can damage your eyesight severely.

To avoid further irritation, wash your hands before using ketorolac.

Once you’re ready to apply your doctor’s recommended dose of ketorolac, get your medication out and tilt your head back slightly. Then, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small bit of space where you’ll drop the proper dose into.

For two to three minutes, close your eyes and tilt your head down. 

To stop the liquid from going into your tear duct, lightly place a finger on top of the corner of your eye for a minute.

Please note that if you have other eye drops that you are using, you should wait 10 minutes before applying them once you have applied ketorolac.

Please note that if you have been using contact lenses previously, you’ll want to take them out while you’re on ketorolac. But your doctor may be able to prescribe you contact lenses that work well with this medication. Speak with your doctor to learn more.

Some common side effects from taking ketorolac include mild eye pain, blurry vision, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, and headaches.

These symptoms are not unexpected, but you should have nothing to worry about if you experience them. Still, keep your doctor up to date with this information.

Immediately report much more serious symptoms like severe eye pain, vision changes, white patches on your eyes, or excess crusting from your eyes.

There is also a chance you may react to ketorolac with an allergic response, which can include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in or around the facial area.

If you experience this allergic reaction, turn to emergency medical assistance as soon as you can.