What to Know About Bromfenac Side Effects

If your doctor prescribed Bromfenac eye drops after cataract surgery, you're probably wondering what side effects to expect. Like all medications, Bromfenac can cause side effects — most are mild and temporary, but a few are serious and need immediate medical attention. This guide covers everything you should know.

What Is Bromfenac?

Bromfenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in eye drop form. It's sold under brand names like Prolensa (0.07%), BromSite (0.075%), and as a generic (0.09%). It works by blocking COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins — chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in your eye after surgery. For a full overview, see our guide on what Bromfenac is and how it's used.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are reported frequently in clinical trials and are usually mild. They often improve on their own within a few days:

• Eye irritation or stinging — A brief burning or stinging sensation right after putting in the drop is the most common side effect. This typically lasts less than a minute.
• Eye redness — Some redness around the eye is normal, especially in the days following cataract surgery. Bromfenac may contribute to this.
• Eye itching (pruritus) — Mild itchiness in or around the treated eye.
• Foreign body sensation — A feeling like something is in your eye. This is common after cataract surgery and may be worsened slightly by the drops.
• Headache — Some patients report mild headaches, though this is relatively uncommon.
• Blurred vision — Temporary blurring right after applying the drop. Wait for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

If any of these common side effects persist for more than a few days or get worse, let your eye doctor know at your follow-up appointment.

Serious Side Effects

These are rare but require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• Corneal erosion or thinning — Topical NSAID eye drops, including Bromfenac, have been associated with corneal problems. Symptoms may include worsening eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, or a feeling that your vision is getting worse rather than better.
• Corneal perforation — In extremely rare post-marketing cases, patients using topical NSAIDs have experienced a hole in the cornea. This is a medical emergency.
• Bleeding within the eye — Bromfenac can increase the risk of bleeding during or after ocular surgery. Report any sudden increase in redness, blood in the eye, or vision changes.
• Delayed wound healing — NSAIDs may slow the healing of your surgical incision. If your eye isn't improving as expected, tell your doctor.
• Severe allergic reaction — Signs include rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe eye swelling. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Significant vision changes — While some blurriness after drops is normal, a sudden or dramatic change in vision is not. Contact your doctor right away.

Who's at Higher Risk for Side Effects?

Certain groups should use Bromfenac with extra caution:

• People with bleeding disorders — Bromfenac can increase bleeding risk. If you take blood thinners like Warfarin or have a bleeding condition, make sure your ophthalmologist knows.
• People with dry eye — Patients with pre-existing dry eye may be more susceptible to corneal adverse effects from topical NSAIDs.
• People with diabetes — Diabetic patients may have compromised corneas and could be at higher risk for corneal complications.
• People with NSAID allergies — If you've ever had an allergic reaction to Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs, you should not use Bromfenac. Tell your doctor about any NSAID sensitivity.
• People with corneal issues — Those with corneal denervation, epithelial defects, or a history of repeat eye surgeries may be at increased risk.
• Pregnant or nursing women — Bromfenac is Pregnancy Category C. It should be avoided in late pregnancy and used during earlier stages only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Discuss this with your doctor.

How to Manage Side Effects

Here are practical tips for dealing with common Bromfenac side effects:

• For stinging or irritation — Keep the drops refrigerated (if your pharmacist says it's okay). Cold drops tend to sting less. Close your eyes gently for 1–2 minutes after applying the drop.
• For blurred vision — Apply your drops at a time when you won't need to drive immediately. Many people prefer using them in the evening.
• For dry or itchy eyes — Ask your doctor if you can use preservative-free artificial tears. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5–10 minutes between different drops.
• Don't stop without asking — Even if you experience mild side effects, don't stop using Bromfenac without talking to your doctor first. Stopping early could increase inflammation and affect your surgical outcome.

If you're having trouble affording your drops and are tempted to skip doses, check our guide to saving money on Bromfenac for ways to reduce your costs.

Final Thoughts

Most people use Bromfenac after cataract surgery without serious problems. The most common side effects — stinging, redness, and mild blurriness — are temporary and manageable. Serious side effects like corneal thinning or perforation are rare but important to watch for.

The key is to use the medication exactly as prescribed, attend your follow-up appointments, and call your doctor if anything feels wrong. Your eye health is too important to take chances with.

Looking for Bromfenac at a good price? Search on Medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have it in stock.