Understanding Kelopt and Its Purpose
Kelopt is a sterile ophthalmic solution whose active ingredient is ketorolac tromethamine [1.6.3]. Ketorolac belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [1.6.5]. Ophthalmologists typically prescribe Kelopt to prevent and treat pain and inflammation in the eyes following cataract surgery [1.6.5]. By reducing substances in the body called prostaglandins, ketorolac effectively minimizes post-operative pain and swelling, aiding in a smoother recovery. However, a frequent patient concern is the stinging or burning sensation felt immediately after instillation.
The Core Question: Why Do Kelopt Eye Drops Burn?
The discomfort experienced when using Kelopt is not unusual and can be attributed to several key factors within its formulation. This is a very common side effect, with studies showing that approximately one-third of patients may experience burning or discomfort immediately after administration of similar drops [1.3.6].
The Active Ingredient: Ketorolac
The primary reason for the burning sensation is the active drug itself, ketorolac tromethamine. As an NSAID, it can inherently cause temporary irritation to the sensitive surface of the eye upon contact [1.6.7]. This is a recognized side effect of this class of ophthalmic drugs and is generally temporary, occurring right after the drop is applied [1.3.4, 1.3.6].
The Preservative Problem: Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK)
To maintain sterility and prevent bacterial growth in the multi-dose bottle, Kelopt contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) [1.6.3, 1.6.4]. BAK is used in about 70% of ophthalmic formulations but is a well-known ocular irritant [1.4.5]. It can disrupt the natural tear film, cause damage to the cells on the cornea and conjunctiva, and lead to symptoms of ocular surface disease, including a burning sensation, redness, and a gritty feeling [1.4.2, 1.4.5]. For patients using drops frequently or for extended periods, the cumulative exposure to BAK can increase the likelihood of irritation [1.4.4].
Other Contributing Factors
- pH Level: The eye maintains a delicate pH balance. Eye drops formulated outside this natural pH can trigger a burning sensation [1.5.3]. While Kelopt's pH is adjusted to be close to neutral (around 7.4), slight variations can still cause temporary discomfort [1.6.1].
- Individual Sensitivity and Ocular Health: Patients with pre-existing ocular surface conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, have a more sensitive cornea that is prone to irritation from any type of eye drop [1.4.3]. Furthermore, some individuals may have a specific allergy or hypersensitivity to either ketorolac or the BAK preservative [1.2.7].
Comparison of Factors Causing Burning Sensation
| Factor | Mechanism of Burning | Commonality | Management Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketorolac (Active NSAID) | Inherent property of the drug to cause local irritation upon contact [1.6.7]. | Common | The sensation is usually temporary and resolves quickly. Proper instillation technique can help [1.5.6]. |
| Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) | Disrupts tear film and is cytotoxic to corneal epithelial cells [1.4.2, 1.4.5]. | Very Common | Use of preservative-free artificial tears prior to instillation; discussing preservative-free options with a doctor for long-term needs [1.4.4, 1.5.1]. |
| Individual Sensitivity | A compromised or sensitive ocular surface (e.g., dry eye) reacts more strongly to foreign substances [1.4.3]. | Varies by patient | Managing the underlying condition (e.g., treating dry eye) can reduce overall sensitivity [1.5.1]. |
How to Manage and Reduce the Burning Sensation
While some discomfort may be unavoidable, several strategies can help minimize it. Crucially, do not stop your prescribed post-operative medication without first consulting your ophthalmologist, as this can compromise your surgical outcome [1.5.5].
- Use Artificial Tears First: Applying a preservative-free lubricating eye drop 10-15 minutes before you instill Kelopt can help buffer the ocular surface and reduce the sting [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
- Proper Instillation Technique (Punctal Occlusion): After applying the drop, gently close your eyes (do not blink) and press a finger against the corner of your eye near your nose for 1-2 minutes. This prevents the drop from draining into the tear duct, keeping it on the eye's surface where it's needed and reducing local and systemic side effects [1.5.4, 1.5.6].
- Cool the Drops: Some patients find relief by refrigerating their eye drops, as the cold can have a mild anesthetic effect [1.2.1]. However, always ask your pharmacist or doctor before doing this to ensure it won't affect the medication's stability.
- Discuss with Your Doctor: If the burning is severe, persistent, or accompanied by significant redness or swelling, contact your doctor. It could indicate a stronger reaction or an allergy [1.2.2]. They can assess the situation and determine the best course of action [1.5.7].
Conclusion
The burning sensation from Kelopt eye drops is a common and expected side effect, primarily caused by the active NSAID ingredient, ketorolac, and the preservative, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) [1.6.3, 1.6.7]. This discomfort is typically brief and manageable. By using proper instillation techniques and potentially pre-treating with artificial tears, patients can often lessen the sting. Most importantly, maintaining open communication with your ophthalmologist ensures that any side effects are managed effectively without compromising the health of your eye after surgery.
For more information on eye health, you can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
