Compounded After-Surgery Eye Drops for Faster, Safer Recovery

Tailored post-op drops to reduce inflammation, fight infection, and support healing.
Every eye surgery—whether it’s for vision correction with LASIK, cataract operations, or glaucoma procedures—comes with a critical recovery window. Standard eye drops may not always be the best fit. That’s why at Alpine Pharmacy, we compound sterile, preservative-free eye drops tailored to your specific procedure and prescription, helping reduce complications and speed up healing.
Our after-surgery eye formulations are prepared in a USP <797>-compliant cleanroom, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade sterility and precision—so your eyes get exactly what they need.
As a custom compounding pharmacy, we work closely with providers to tailor every formulation, especially when healing depends on precision.
Who Benefits from Custom After-Surgery Eye Drops?
- Patients recovering from LASIK, cataract surgery, or glaucoma procedures
- Those with sensitivities to preservatives or fillers
- Patients needing specific dose strengths or antibiotic/steroid combinations
- Anyone with a complex eye history requiring a tailored recovery protocol
Why Are After-Surgery Eye Drops So Important?
Eye surgery may take only minutes, but healing takes longer. The first 1–2 weeks after surgery are when your eye is most vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and delayed healing. That’s where post-op eye drops come in.
At Alpine Compounding Pharmacy, we create personalized eye drops that combine antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to support this critical recovery window.

What the Research Says:
- Experts recommend using antibiotic and steroid eye drops after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of infection, control inflammation, and stabilise eye pressure during healing.
- Studies show that patients who used combination drops (antibiotic + anti-inflammatory or steroid) had significantly lower rates of post-surgical complications like inflammation and infection compared to those using single-agent drops.
- A large study of over 600,000 patients found that using antibiotic drops after surgery reduced the risk of serious eye infections like endophthalmitis by more than 80%.
Why Compounded Eye Drops Make a Difference
Most commercial eye drops come in fixed strengths and multi-use bottles with preservatives—great for shelf life, not always for healing. For post-op recovery, precision matters.
Your doctor may prescribe a custom combination of:
- Antibiotics – to protect your healing eye from infection
- Anti-inflammatory agents – to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Sometimes a pain-relieving component – to make your recovery more comfortable
By combining these in a single, sterile formulation, you reduce the number of drops you need and improve consistency, especially helpful if you’re healing after cataract, LASIK, or glaucoma surgery
Here's what we offer:
- Preservative-free, sterile single-use vials for sensitive or healing eyes
- Custom antibiotic + anti-inflammatory combinations based on your surgeon’s orders
- Adjusted pH levels and osmolarity to match your eye’s comfort
- Solutions for patients allergic to commercial options or those needing unavailable medications
Alpine Compounding Pharmacy provides sterile eye medications through our full suite of ophthalmology compounding services tailored to each patient’s needs. From post-op care to dry eye support, our ophthalmic formulations are made in a sterile, USP-compliant facility in Arvada.
Custom Antibiotic + Anti-Inflammatory Combinations
Surgical recovery often calls for dual-action drops—formulas that calm inflammation while preventing infection. That’s why we offer:
Moxifloxacin-Based Formulations
Moxifloxacin HCl is a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently prescribed after LASIK, cataract surgery, and other procedures to prevent post-op infections. It’s particularly effective against a wide range of ocular pathogens and is well-tolerated for short-term use.
We compound Moxifloxacin alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory agents like:
- Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate – a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation.
- Bromfenac – an NSAID that helps manage post-operative pain and inflammation.
Common Custom Formulations Include:
- Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate / Moxifloxacin HCl (1% / 0.5%)
- Moxifloxacin HCl / Bromfenac (0.5% / 0.09%)
- Prednisolone / Moxifloxacin / Bromfenac Triple Combo
- Standalone Moxifloxacin (for antibiotic-only therapy)
Each is compounded preservative-free in sterile conditions with options for 5 mL or 8.6 mL bottles, depending on your recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a prescription for post-op eye drops?
A: Yes. Your ophthalmologist or surgeon will send us a prescription specifying the exact combination and dose you need. We compound the medication accordingly.
Q: Are your eye drops preservative-free?
A: Yes. Most custom post-surgical eye formulations are preservative-free to avoid irritation during healing. We use sterile, single-dose packaging to ensure safety.
Q: How long will my compounded eye drops last?
A: Shelf life varies by formulation, but most compounded eye drops for surgical recovery are stable for 14–30 days when refrigerated. Your label will include specific storage and usage instructions.
Q: Can I refill my after-surgery eye drops?
A: Yes, if your provider prescribes a refill. We can also schedule recurring formulations for staged recovery plans.
Q: Can I use compounded eye drops alongside commercial ones?
A: In most cases, yes—but always follow your provider’s guidance. Some medications need to be spaced out to avoid dilution or interaction.
Q: Can I use my old eye drops after surgery?
A: We don’t recommend it. After-surgery eye drops are prescribed for specific healing needs. Using leftover or expired drops could be ineffective—or even harmful if contamination has occurred.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?
A: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one—don’t double up. Contact your provider if you're unsure.
Q: Will the drops sting or blur my vision?
A: Some mild stinging or temporary blurriness is common, especially right after applying the drops. This usually lasts just a few minutes. If irritation persists, call your doctor or our pharmacy.
Q: Can these drops be used in both eyes?
A: Only if your doctor has prescribed them for both eyes. Post-op drops are often customized for the surgical eye, so using them in the other eye without guidance is not advised.
Q: Are compounded eye drops covered by insurance?
A: Some insurance plans cover compounded medications, but many do not. We’re happy to provide an invoice for reimbursement or work with your provider to explore options.
Related Eye Medications
Explore other personalised solutions for your eye health:
- If you’re managing chronic dryness or inflammation, our Dry Eye Drops offer preservative-free comfort built for long-term use.
- For patients undergoing pupil dilation or glaucoma treatment, we offer Pupil Dilation & Glaucoma Drops compounded to your tolerance and pressure goals.
Why Choose Alpine Pharmacy?
- Sterile compounding in a USP-compliant cleanroom
- Quick turnaround times for surgical patients
- Preservative-free, patient-specific solutions
- Trusted by ophthalmologists across Colorado and beyond
Located in Arvada, CO 80004, Alpine Pharmacy is your local partner in post-surgical eye care. Whether you're prepping for LASIK or managing a complex glaucoma surgery recovery, we compound what your eyes need—when you need it.
Let’s Support Your Healing - Drop by or Call Us
Visit Alpine Compounding Pharmacy in Arvada, CO
Need a refill or have questions about your eye prescription? Contact our compounding pharmacy in Arvada today.