Fluorometholone eye drops (corticosteroid)
Fluorometholone
A steroid eye drop, used only for short prescribed courses, to reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye.
What is Fluorometholone?
Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid (steroid) eye drop used to reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye. It is prescription-only and used only for short courses under supervision, because steroid drops can raise the pressure inside the eye and lead to glaucoma, encourage cataracts and make eye infections worse. It must never be used on an undiagnosed red eye, and is avoided if a herpes simplex eye infection is suspected. It is usually put in several times a day and tapered off rather than stopped abruptly.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Fluorometholone — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid eye drop used to treat inflammation of the surface and front of the eye, for example after surgery or in certain inflammatory eye conditions. Steroids calm down the redness, swelling and irritation caused by inflammation. Fluorometholone is chosen partly because it tends to raise eye pressure less than some other steroid drops, but it still carries the risks of all eye steroids. It is a prescription-only medicine used under medical supervision.
How it works
Fluorometholone reduces inflammation by damping down the immune and chemical signals that cause redness, swelling, heat and irritation in the eye. This relieves discomfort and helps the eye settle in conditions where inflammation is the problem. However, because it suppresses the eye's defences, it can also let infections take hold or worsen and can raise the pressure inside the eye over time. For these reasons it is used only when a clinician has examined the eye and decided a steroid is appropriate.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: AbbVie (originator).
A prescription steroid eye drop used in the UK, under specialist or GP supervision, to calm eye inflammation.
Practical use
How to take Fluorometholone
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it exactly as prescribed and only for the length of time your prescriber tells you, without extending the course yourself.
- Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and let one drop fall into the pocket without touching the eye.
- Shake the bottle if instructed, close the eye gently after the drop and press the inner corner briefly to limit absorption.
- Reduce or stop the drops only as directed, usually by tapering down, rather than stopping suddenly.
- Remove soft contact lenses before use unless your prescriber says otherwise, and attend any pressure checks arranged.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Fluorometholone
Advantages
- Effectively reduces inflammation on the surface and front of the eye.
- Tends to raise eye pressure less than some other steroid eye drops.
- Used under supervision for targeted, short-term treatment.
Disadvantages
- Can raise eye pressure and lead to glaucoma with longer use.
- May encourage cataracts and can worsen or mask eye infections.
- Prescription-only and must never be used on an undiagnosed red eye.
Practical use
Good to know
Fluorometholone is a steroid, so it must only be used exactly as prescribed and usually for a short course, then tapered off rather than stopped suddenly. It should never be put into a red eye that has not been examined, because using a steroid on an undiagnosed eye, especially one with a herpes simplex (cold-sore virus) infection, can cause serious harm. With longer use it can raise the pressure in the eye and lead to glaucoma, encourage cataracts and mask or worsen infections, so your eye pressure may need checking during treatment. Remove soft contact lenses before use unless told otherwise, wash your hands, and do not touch the eye or lashes with the dropper. Tell your prescriber if the eye becomes more painful, redder or your vision worsens.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with an untreated eye infection, especially herpes simplex (cold-sore virus) of the eye.
- Anyone with a red eye that has not been examined and diagnosed.
- People who have reacted badly to fluorometholone or other ingredients in the drops.
Monitoring
- Regular eye pressure checks during longer courses to detect glaucoma.
- Watching for signs of worsening infection, more pain or reduced vision.
- Review of how long the course is needed so it is not used longer than necessary.
Side effects
- Raised pressure inside the eye, which can lead to glaucoma.
- Greater chance of cataracts and of infections taking hold with longer use.
- With longer use or on an already-damaged eye surface, thinning of the cornea and, rarely, perforation — another reason a red, painful eye must be examined first.
- Brief stinging, blurred vision or discomfort after the drop.
Key interactions
- Using it with other eye medicines should be guided by your prescriber.
- Soft contact lenses can absorb the drops, so remove lenses unless told otherwise.
- Other steroid medicines may add to overall steroid effects, so tell your prescriber.
Available as: Eye drops in a multidose bottle, including a suspension form to be shaken before use.
Answers
Fluorometholone: frequently asked questions
Why can't I use leftover steroid drops on a red eye?
A red eye must be examined first, because using a steroid on an undiagnosed eye, especially a herpes simplex infection, can cause serious harm.
Can fluorometholone affect my eye pressure?
Yes, steroid drops can raise the pressure inside the eye and lead to glaucoma, which is why your pressure may be checked during treatment.
Should I stop it suddenly when my eye feels better?
Follow your prescriber's instructions; steroid drops are usually tapered down rather than stopped abruptly, and only for the course prescribed.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, fluorometholone is prescription-only and used under medical supervision.
Can I wear contact lenses with it?
Remove soft lenses before using the drops unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
The wider class
About Corticosteroid eye drops
Fluorometholone belongs to the corticosteroid eye drops class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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