What eye drops are commonly used after cataract surgery?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, eye drops are required after cataract surgery to prevent infection, control inflammation, and promote recovery. Common needs include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments. Patients may use medications such as levofloxacin ophthalmic solution, tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, pranoprofen ophthalmic solution, sodium hyaluronate ophthalmic solution, and cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, as prescribed by their doctor. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Under normal circumstances, eye drops are required after cataract surgery to prevent infection, control inflammation, and promote recovery. Common needs include antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments. Patients may use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin-dexamethasone eye drops, pranoprofen eye drops, sodium hyaluronate eye drops, and cyclosporine eye drops according to medical advice. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Levofloxacin Eye Drops
This belongs to the broad-spectrum quinolone class of antibiotics and works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase activity, thereby preventing bacterial replication. It is used postoperatively to prevent and treat bacterial eye infections, showing effectiveness against common ocular pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. It serves as a fundamental antibacterial agent after surgery.
2. Tobramycin-Dexamethasone Eye Drops
This formulation contains two active ingredients: tobramycin and dexamethasone. Tobramycin exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, while dexamethasone reduces inflammatory responses. It is suitable for cases involving bacterial infection accompanied by inflammation after surgery, providing both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to promote healing of ocular tissues.
3. Pranoprofen Eye Drops
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), pranoprofen reduces the release of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, thus relieving postoperative inflammatory symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in the eye. As it does not contain steroids, it is suitable for patients with mild inflammation or those requiring long-term anti-inflammatory treatment, offering high safety.
4. Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops
These eye drops have excellent water retention and lubricating properties, mimicking natural tear components to alleviate postoperative discomfort such as dry eyes and foreign body sensation. They also form a protective film on the surface of the eye, reducing external irritation and creating a moist environment conducive to corneal healing, thereby improving postoperative comfort.
5. Cyclosporine Eye Drops
An immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporine prevents postoperative rejection reactions by suppressing local immune responses in the eye. It is particularly recommended for patients who undergo cataract surgery combined with corneal transplantation. It can also be used to manage chronic inflammation and reduce side effects associated with prolonged steroid use.
After surgery, avoid rubbing your eyes and prevent contaminated water from entering the eye. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage and timing of medication; do not discontinue or adjust doses without consultation. Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods. Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor eye recovery.
