What Are Prednisolone Eye Drops Used For?

Prednisolone eye drops are prescribed by ophthalmologists or other eye specialists to reduce infection and inflammation caused by diseases or injuries to the eye. Doctors may prescribe them after eye surgery. While the drops are normally used for a short time, doctors sometimes prescribe them for a longer period while monitoring their patients closely. The drops should be taken exactly as prescribed and the patient should keep all appointments with the doctor while taking the eye medication.

Infections

• Prednisolone eye drops are used for severe bacterial eye infections or inflammation caused by certain eye diseases. Some of these infections are conjunctivitis (pinkeye), stye, blepharitis, cellulitis, keratitis, corneal ulcer, iritis and uveitis. The drops reduce inflammation, relieve the pain and improve vision.

Injury

• Corticosteriod eye drops (prednisolone) are also used to treat eye injuries that may become infected or inflamed as a result of injury to the eye. The drops relieve symptoms caused by such injuries as chemical burns, puncture wounds, corneal scratches, or foreign bodies. Doctors may also prescribe prednisolone drops to prevent or relieve infection or inflammation after surgery.

Recommendations

• Always wash your hands using soap and water before applying eye drops.
  If you're not accustomed to using eye drops, use a mirror or have someone else apply them for you.
  Shake the bottle.
  Hold the bottle with the top down.
  Pull the bottom eyelid out to make a cup for the drops.
  Squeeze the bottle slightly to release the prescribed number of drops.
  Close your eye for 2 or 3 seconds to keep the medicine in the eye.

Side Effects

• Most people have few if any side effects from prednisolone eye drops, but tell your doctor if you have the following symptoms and they do not go away:
  eyes burning or stinging
  blurred vision
  eye pain

Warning

• Steroid eye drops are usually used for short periods of time because they can cause cataracts or glaucoma if used over a long period of time. Your doctor will probably want to see you after you have been using the drops for a week. The drops are sometimes used for long periods of time when there is a chronic infection, and little risk of cataracts or glaucoma. When they are used for a long period of time the doctor will want to check your eyes often, and will want you to come in before your scheduled appointment should you experience side effects that don't go away.