Ophthalmic Solutions and Medications

Introduction to Ophthalmic Solutions

To prepare a 3% hypertonic saline solution, 30 grams of sodium chloride (NaCl) should be added to each liter of sterile or distilled water, or alternatively, a more concentrated saline solution can be diluted to reach the 3% concentration, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2

The solution should be agitated well before use, and it is recommended to allow the solution to reach room temperature before administration for patient comfort 1, 2
For ophthalmic use, consider using artificial tears as a diluent instead of simple saline solution, and for intravenous administration, the solution must be prepared under absolutely sterile conditions 1, 2
Sterile techniques should be used during the preparation of 3% hypertonic saline solution for ophthalmic use, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2

In ophthalmology, 3% hypertonic saline solution is used for preparing fortified antibiotics, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
The American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines should be strictly followed for the preparation of 3% hypertonic saline solution to avoid complications in ophthalmic use 1, 2

Ketorolac, an NSAID, reduces inflammation and relieves ocular itching by reducing prostaglandin production, as recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 3
A fixed four-times-daily dosing schedule provides better symptomatic relief than as-needed use, with greater improvement in symptom-bother scores on standardized assessments, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4
Patients with asthma and nasal polyps should be cautioned about potential risk of asthma exacerbation when using ketorolac eye drops, as warned by the American Thoracic Society 3

Administering eye drops at a 45-degree angle produces smaller, more economical drops than a 90-degree angle, approximating the volume of the lacrimal lake, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4, 5
Nasolacrimal occlusion (pressing finger against inner corner of eye for 1-2 minutes) can reduce systemic absorption and increase effectiveness of eye drops, and linking administration to daily activities can improve adherence, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4, 5
Waiting at least 5 minutes between different eye medications if using multiple types is advised to avoid interference with the effectiveness of each medication, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4

Eye drops should be kept away from water to prevent contamination, and hands should be washed before handling eye drops to prevent infection, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2, 6
The tip of the bottle should not be touched to any surface, including the eye, to maintain sterility, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 6
Multiple-dose eyedrop containers should be discarded after inadvertent contact with the ocular surface, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 6
Preservative-free formulations, antibiotic eye drops, autologous serum eye drops, and fortified antibiotics should be refrigerated at 4°C to maintain stability and reduce the risk of contamination, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
Non-preserved eye drops can remain sterile for up to 4 weeks when stored at 4°C, and should be used within the timeframe specified on packaging after opening, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
Refrigerated drops should be allowed to warm to room temperature before instillation for patient comfort, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2