Diclofenac Eye Drops: 4 Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Diclofenac eye drops, marketed as Voltarol Ophtha, are a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulation designed specifically for ocular use. They effectively reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in the eye following surgery or due to allergic conditions by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, key mediators of inflammation and discomfort.

About diclofenac eye drops

Diclofenac eye drops belong to the class of

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

, which work by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), thereby reducing prostaglandin production that causes pain, redness, and swelling in the eye. These drops are indicated for short-term use in various ocular conditions, providing targeted relief without systemic absorption concerns, as the daily ocular dose equates to less than 1% of oral NSAID doses.

Type of medicine	Used for	Also called	Available as
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop	Before eye operations to prevent pupil constriction; post-surgery or laser treatment for pain and swelling relief; seasonal allergic eye symptoms like hay fever	Voltarol® Ophtha	Multi-dose bottles and single-dose units

Clinically, Voltarol Ophtha has demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting miosis during cataract surgery, controlling postoperative inflammation, reducing pain after procedures like PRK and radial keratotomy, and alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Unlike steroids, it avoids side effects such as delayed wound healing or elevated intraocular pressure.

Key uses of diclofenac eye drops

These eye drops are prescribed for specific scenarios:

• Preoperative prophylaxis of miosis: Prevents pupil constriction during cataract or other intraocular surgeries.
• Postoperative inflammation control: After cataract extraction, strabismus surgery, or laser treatments like PRK and ALT.
• Pain and discomfort relief: For corneal epithelial defects post-trauma, radial keratotomy, or refractive surgery.
• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: Relieves ocular signs and symptoms like itching, redness, and watering.

In clinical settings, diclofenac ophthalmic solution treats postoperative inflammation following cataract surgery and temporary pain relief with photophobia after corneal refractive surgery. It also addresses eye pain, redness, and swelling during recovery from cataract procedures.

Before using diclofenac eye drops

Consult your doctor or eye specialist before starting treatment to ensure safety. Inform them if:

• You have a history of allergy to aspirin, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or any components of the drops.
• You experience easy bleeding or bruising, as NSAIDs can affect platelet function.
• You have an active eye infection, which could worsen with anti-inflammatory use.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, as safety data is limited.
• You use other medications, eye drops, or topical treatments, to avoid interactions.

Patients with risk factors for corneal disorders (e.g., concurrent corticosteroid use, infections, rheumatoid arthritis) require close monitoring, as rare cases of ulcerative keratitis, corneal thinning, or edema have been reported, especially with prolonged use.

How to use diclofenac eye drops

Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Voltarol Ophtha is for topical ocular use only—never inject subconjunctivally or into the anterior chamber.

Standard dosage guidelines

Indication	Dosage
Prophylaxis of preoperative miosis	1 drop 4 times in the 2 hours before surgery
Post-operative inflammation control	1 drop 4 times daily for up to 28 days
Post-PRK pain and discomfort	1 drop 2 times pre-surgery; 1 drop 2 times 5 minutes apart post-surgery; then every 2-5 hours awake for up to 24 hours
Ocular pain from corneal epithelial defects (post-trauma)	1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days
Post-ALT inflammation	1 drop 4 times in 2 hours pre-ALT; then 4 times daily for up to 7 days
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis	1 drop 4 times daily as required
Post-strabismus surgery inflammation/discomfort	1 drop 4 times daily starting 1 hour pre-surgery
Post-radial keratotomy pain	1 drop pre-surgery; 1 drop immediately post; then 4 times daily for up to 2 days

Administration steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly.
2. Tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid to form a pocket.
3. Avoid tip touching eye, fingers, or surfaces to prevent contamination.
4. Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac.
5. Close eye for 1-2 minutes; gently press nasolacrimal duct to minimize drainage.
6. Repeat for other eye if prescribed.
7. Replace cap tightly; discard single-dose units after use.

If using multiple eye preparations, space applications by at least 5 minutes.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use exactly as prescribed—typically 1 drop 4 times daily; do not exceed.
• For surgery, start preoperatively and continue as directed, often for days post-procedure.
• For allergies, use as long as symptoms persist.
• If a dose is missed, apply ASAP unless near next dose; never double up.
• Attend all follow-up appointments for progress checks.
• Avoid contact lenses during treatment due to preservatives; use glasses post-surgery.
• Wait for vision to clear before driving or operating machinery, as drops may cause temporary blurring.

The multidose bottle’s low diclofenac content (5mg/5ml) poses negligible risk even if accidentally ingested orally.

Side effects of diclofenac eye drops

Most side effects are mild and transient. Very frequent:

eye pain

or irritation shortly after instillation.

Side Effect	Frequency/Details	Management
Eye pain/irritation	Very frequent, mild-moderate, transient	Passes quickly; continue unless severe
Eye pruritus, hyperaemia, blurred vision	Frequent, immediate post-instillation	Usually self-resolves
Punctate keratitis/corneal disorders	Less frequent, with overuse	Monitor; discontinue if persists
Ulcerative keratitis, thinning, edema	Rare, in at-risk patients (steroids, infections, RA)	Seek immediate care; may threaten sight
Preservative allergy (redness/inflammation)	Uncommon	Contact doctor

Report any persistent or new symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How soon do diclofenac eye drops work?

A: Relief from pain and inflammation often begins within hours, with optimal effects after consistent use over 1-2 days.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses while using Voltarol Ophtha?

A: No, preservatives can damage lenses; avoid during treatment and use glasses, especially post-surgery.

Q: Are diclofenac eye drops safe during pregnancy?

A: Use only if advised by your doctor; inform them of pregnancy status due to limited data.

Q: What if I accidentally swallow the drops?

A: Negligible risk; a full 5ml bottle contains only ~3% of adult oral max dose.

Q: How long can I use the drops for allergies?

A: As required for symptom control, typically 1 drop 4 times daily; consult doctor for prolonged use.

Q: Do they replace steroid eye drops?

A: They offer similar anti-inflammatory benefits post-strabismus surgery without steroid risks like delayed healing or IOP rise.