Which of the following is one of the main ocular side effects associated with topical NSAIDs?

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in ophthalmology to manage pain and inflammation. One of the notable ocular side effects associated with these medications is corneal melt, also known as corneal epithelial melt or corneal toxicity. This condition can occur due to the inhibition of certain enzymes involved in the maintenance of corneal integrity, leading to progressive erosion of the cornea.

Corneal melt is particularly concerning because it can result in significant visual impairment and may require surgical intervention if the corneal integrity is severely compromised. Understanding this potential side effect is crucial for ophthalmic practitioners when prescribing topical NSAIDs, as they need to balance the therapeutic benefits with the risks of adverse effects in their patients.

Although there are other ocular conditions such as glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC cataracts) that can also be associated with different medications, they are not specifically linked to topical NSAIDs. Hence, corneal melt stands out as the primary concern with this class of drugs.