Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution Description

Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution contains the active ingredient Diclofenac which belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A physician can prescribe Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution to help reduce swelling, pain, and light sensitivity following cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery. Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution may also be prescribed by a doctor to treat conjunctivitis caused by an allergy. Allergic conjunctivitis may be caused by various allergens such as pollen, cosmetics, or dust mites.

How Diclofenac Reduces Pain and Inflammation

NSAIDS are formulated to act on certain enzymes involved with inflammation called cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 COX-2). When instilled into the eye(s) as directed, Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution acts as a nonselective NSAID, meaning it affects both COX-1 and 2. As it is absorbed, Diclofenac inhibits the action of both enzymes in order to suppress their production of prostaglandins. These are compounds similar to hormones and they are the reason for inflammation as an immune response to an injury. In this case, eye surgery has activated your immune system and help is sent to start the healing process.

Conditions Treated by Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution

Cataracts can cause blurry vision and increase the glare from lights. If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, the doctor may suggest cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution may be prescribed by a doctor following this surgery to reduce discomfort and swelling.

Vision correction surgery, also known as refractive and laser eye surgery, may be performed to correct vision problems. Most types of vision correction surgery work by reshaping the cornea so that the light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located at the back of the eye. Other types of vision correcting surgery may involve replacing the natural lens of the eye.

Before Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution is Prescribed

Tell your doctor about other medications you currently take or use and discuss your medical history so it can be determined if you should buy Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution. Contac lenses must be removed before instilling Diclofenac, ask doctor how long before reinserting them.

Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution Proper Use and Recommendations

Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution is for use in the eyes only and may cause your vision to become blurry temporarily. Do not drive until your vision clears. If you use other eye drops, ask the doctor how long to wait in between eye meds to avoid any interactions. Keep all meds out of the reach of children and never share them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Puffy eyelids
• Nausea/vomiting
• Mild burning or itching of the eyes

You should contact your doctor at once if you experience any of the following more serious side effects while using Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution: vision changes; severe burning or stinging in eyes; eye pain or excessive watering; white patches in eyes; dizziness or stomach pain; crusting or drainage of eyes.

Drugs Similar to Voltaren Ophthalmic Solution

• Xibrom
• Restasis
• Acular LS Eye Drops