Voltaren Ophthalmic Uses

Inflammation, pain, and sensitivity due to certain eye surgeries can often be relieved with Voltaren Ophthalmic. This prescription eye drop is a type of NSAID and works by blocking a certain enzyme in the body, which reduces inflammation. Healthcare providers may occasionally recommend off-label Voltaren Ophthalmic uses as well, such as treating eye pain or inflammation due to other causes.

Voltaren Ophthalmic Eye Drops

What Is Voltaren Ophthalmic Used For?

Voltaren Ophthalmic^® (diclofenac eye drops) is a prescription medication used for certain eye surgeries. Specifically, Voltaren Ophthalmic is approved for treating:

Postoperative inflammation in people who have had cataract surgery
Pain and sensitivity to light in people undergoing corneal refraction surgery (such as LASIK surgery).

Although steroid eye drops like prednisolone are often used for similar purposes -- that is, treating inflammation due to eye surgery -- NSAID eye drops like Voltaren Ophthalmic are generally less likely to cause serious side effects such as cataracts and increased eye pressure.

How Does Voltaren Ophthalmic Work?

Voltaren Ophthalmic belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Like other NSAIDs, it works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and by blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body.

Is Voltaren Ophthalmic Used in Children?

This medicine is not approved for use in children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Voltaren Ophthalmic in this age group.

Off-Label Uses of Voltaren Ophthalmic

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend this medication for something other than the uses discussed in this article. At this time, using it to treat eye pain or inflammation due to any other cause would be considered an off-label purpose. For example, using Voltaren Ophthalmic to treat eye pain and inflammation due to corneal abrasion would be an off-label use.