Are your eyes sore after eye surgery? Or are they red and swollen? Your doctor may have prescribed a special eye drop to put in your eyes. Today we're talking about a drug called Difluprednate, which is commonly used in such cases. You may also find it under the brand name Durezol.
What exactly is Difluprednate?
Simply put, difluprednate is a steroid medication that is used only in the eye. Its main function is to control pain and swelling in the eye. Doctors prescribe this medication in these two situations in particular:
1. After eye surgery: Reduce pain and inflammation or swelling after surgery, such as cataract surgery.
2. For Uveitis : This is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. This medicine also helps control the pain, redness, and discomfort caused by this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Any type of active infection | Steroids may mask or exacerbate some infections, so it is important to be aware of any existing infections. |
| Glaucoma condition | These types of steroids can increase eye pressure, which can be dangerous for someone with glaucoma. |
| Wearing contact lenses | It is often not advisable to wear contact lenses while using this medication. It is necessary to seek advice about this. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you are allergic to difluprednate or any of the other ingredients (e.g. preservatives), you should inform your doctor. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | You should talk to your doctor about the possibility of the medication passing to your baby through breast milk. |
How to use this medicine correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Shake the bottle: Shake the medicine bottle well before use.
3. Correct posture: Sit in a chair or lie down on a bed, tilt your head back slightly. Then, with your index finger, gently pull your lower eyelid down. This will create a small pouch-like space between your eyelid and your eye.
4. Apply the medicine carefully: Do not let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, or any other surface. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and cause infection. Apply the number of drops of medicine that the doctor has prescribed to you, like the bag.
5. Close your eyes: After applying the medicine, close your eyes slowly. Do not blink. While closing your eyes, gently press your finger on the inner corner of your eye for about a minute or two. This helps the medicine to be absorbed into the eye and also reduces the risk of the medicine going down your throat.
Do not use more often than prescribed by your doctor, or stop taking it before the prescribed time. This is a medicine for you only, do not share it with others.
What to do if the dose increases?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have used more medicine than you think, immediatelyCall the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take your medicine, take the correct dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the correct dose the next time. Never take a double dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can cause side effects in some people. They can be divided into two main categories.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, seeing things in two parts, etc. |
| Symptoms of eye infection | Discharge of mucus or other fluid from the eye, increased redness or swelling of the eye. |
| Eye pain | New or worsening eye pain after starting to use the medication. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Sensitivity to light | In such a situation, wearing sunglasses can provide relief. |
| Feeling like something is stuck in the eye | A feeling of something being stuck in the eye. |
| Watery, itchy, or burning eyes | This is usually mild and goes away on its own, but if it persists, tell your doctor. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold (do not refrigerate).
- Protect from light. Therefore, keep it in its protective carton when not in use.
- Do not use expired medication. If there is any left over, dispose of it safely.
Take-Home Message
- This is a steroid eye drop that reduces pain and swelling caused by eye surgery and conditions such as uveitis.
- Shake the bottle well before use. Wash hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine.
- Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or any other surface. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly .
- Avoid wearing contact lenses while using this medicine.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience changes in vision, increased eye pain, or signs of infection.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion / Durezol used for?
This is not a drop for normal red eyes! This is a very potent topical corticosteroid steroid eye medication available from pharmacies! Doctors use this to reduce the severe swelling and unbearable pain inside the eye after cataract surgery within a few days. (It is also given for endogenous anterior uveitis).
💬 How does applying these steroid drops (Durezol) reduce pain and swelling inside the eye?
Inflammation/swelling inside the eye after an operation occurs because our immune system suddenly launches a massive chemical attack (Prostaglandins/Leukotrienes) on it. As soon as this powerful Difluprednate drop is applied to the eye, it completely shuts down the factory (Phospholipase A2) that produces that chemical/enzyme that causes inflammation. Then, within minutes, the inflammation/swelling and pain in the eye completely disappear.
💬 How dangerous is it if you keep using these powerful eye drops/use them at inappropriate times?
This is a 'steroid' so the side effects are extremely severe! If you use these drops for more than 2 weeks (without medical advice), your 'eye pressure/glaucoma (IOP)' can suddenly increase and damage the optic nerve and cause blindness! Also, if you use this for a long time, cataracts will develop quickly. The other dangerous thing is, if you use this during a serious bacterial or viral/fungal infection (Herpes simplex), the eye can completely rot and be destroyed!
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