Blooming iris emerging from a cataract, symbolizing renewed vision after cataract surgery.

Say Goodbye to Cataract Surgery Discomfort: The Future is Here!

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how a new combination injection is revolutionizing cataract surgery, making it safer, smoother, and more comfortable for patients."

Cataract surgery, a procedure that restores clarity to millions each year, continues to evolve with advancements aimed at improving both the precision and patient experience. The goal? To minimize complications, reduce post-operative discomfort, and ensure optimal visual outcomes.

Traditionally, maintaining pupil dilation and controlling inflammation during and after cataract surgery have relied on multiple eye drops, each with its own set of limitations. But what if there was a way to simplify the process, enhance safety, and improve patient comfort all at once?

Enter the new combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection, a game-changing approach that's streamlining cataract surgery and delivering impressive results. Let's explore how this innovative treatment is reshaping the landscape of cataract care.

Why Mydriasis Matters: Setting the Stage for Surgical Success

Blooming iris emerging from a cataract, symbolizing renewed vision after cataract surgery.

Mydriasis, or pupil dilation, is crucial for cataract surgery. A well-dilated pupil allows the surgeon a clear and unobstructed view of the lens, minimizing the risk of complications such as posterior capsular tears and vitreous loss. When the pupil constricts during surgery (miosis), it can lead to:

Increased surgical time
Greater risk of complications
Increased post-operative inflammation
Patient discomfort

Increased surgical time; Greater risk of complications; Increased post-operative inflammation; Patient discomfort

Controlling inflammation is equally important. Post-operative inflammation not only causes discomfort (pain, redness, and light sensitivity) but can also compromise visual outcomes and necessitate additional clinic visits. The combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection addresses both of these critical needs, paving the way for smoother surgeries and happier patients.

The Future is Clear: A Brighter Outlook for Cataract Patients

The combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection represents a significant step forward in cataract surgery, offering a more streamlined, effective, and comfortable experience for patients. While further research will continue to refine its use, this innovative treatment holds immense promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing cataract surgery.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/opth.s72321, Alternate LINK

Title: The Clinical Utility Of New Combination Phenylephrine/Ketorolac Injection In Cataract Surgery

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: Clinical Ophthalmology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Avinash Gurbaxani, Lola Lawuyi

Published: 2015-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the phenylephrine/ketorolac injection, and why is it used in cataract surgery?

The phenylephrine/ketorolac injection is a new approach used in cataract surgery to simplify the procedure and improve patient outcomes. It combines two medications into one injection: phenylephrine, which dilates the pupil (mydriasis), and ketorolac, which controls inflammation. This combination aims to reduce the need for multiple eye drops, enhance safety, and improve patient comfort during and after cataract surgery. It's significant because maintaining pupil dilation and controlling inflammation are crucial for successful cataract surgery.

What is mydriasis, and why is it so important during cataract surgery?

Mydriasis is the dilation of the pupil. It's important in cataract surgery because a well-dilated pupil provides the surgeon with a clear and unobstructed view of the lens. This minimizes the risk of complications such as posterior capsular tears and vitreous loss. If the pupil constricts during surgery (miosis), it can lead to increased surgical time, a greater risk of complications, increased post-operative inflammation, and patient discomfort.

Why is it important to control inflammation after cataract surgery?

Post-operative inflammation after cataract surgery can cause discomfort, including pain, redness, and light sensitivity. More importantly, it can compromise visual outcomes and may necessitate additional clinic visits. Managing inflammation effectively is important for ensuring a smoother recovery and achieving the best possible visual results. The ketorolac in the phenylephrine/ketorolac injection helps to control this inflammation.

How does the combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection make cataract surgery easier?

The combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection streamlines cataract surgery by addressing two critical needs—pupil dilation (mydriasis) and inflammation control—in a single application. This reduces the reliance on multiple eye drops, potentially minimizing side effects and improving patient compliance. By simplifying the process, it contributes to a more efficient and comfortable experience for both the patient and the surgical team, leading to potentially better outcomes and a quicker recovery.

What future research is planned or needed for the combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection in cataract surgery?

The combination phenylephrine/ketorolac injection represents an advancement by improving efficiency and patient comfort. Future research will focus on refining the use of the injection, exploring optimal dosages, and identifying which patients benefit most. It will be important to compare the injection against traditional eye drop regimens in larger studies and to assess the long-term effects on patient outcomes and quality of life.