Prednisolone eye drops (corticosteroid)
Prednisolone (eye drops)
A steroid eye drop, used only on prescription for short courses, to treat inflammation in and on the eye.
What is Prednisolone (eye drops)?
Prednisolone eye drops are a corticosteroid (steroid) used to treat inflammation of the eye, such as after surgery or in inflammatory eye conditions. They are prescription-only and used only for short, supervised courses, because steroid drops can raise eye pressure and cause glaucoma, encourage cataracts and make infections worse. They must never be used on a red eye that has not been examined, and are avoided when a herpes simplex eye infection is suspected. They are usually put in several times a day and tapered off rather than stopped suddenly.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Prednisolone (eye drops) — 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
Prednisolone eye drops are a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in and on the eye, for example after eye surgery or in inflammatory conditions such as uveitis. Steroids calm the redness, swelling and irritation that inflammation causes. Prednisolone is a stronger anti-inflammatory than some other steroid drops, so it is effective but carries the usual steroid risks. It is a prescription-only medicine used under the supervision of a GP or eye specialist.
How it works
Prednisolone reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune and chemical signals that produce redness, swelling and irritation in the eye. This eases discomfort and helps inflammatory eye conditions settle. Because it dampens the eye's defences, it can also allow infections to develop or worsen, and over time it can raise the pressure inside the eye. For this reason it is only started after a clinician has examined the eye and decided a steroid is needed.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A widely used prescription steroid eye drop in the UK, given under supervision to treat eye inflammation.
Practical use
How to take Prednisolone (eye drops)
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use the drops exactly as prescribed and only for the length of course your prescriber sets, without extending it 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 it is a suspension, close the eye gently afterwards and press the inner corner briefly to limit absorption.
- Taper the drops down as directed rather than stopping them suddenly.
- Remove soft contact lenses before use unless your prescriber says otherwise, and attend any eye pressure checks arranged.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Prednisolone (eye drops)
Advantages
- A strong, effective treatment for inflammation in and on the eye.
- Available in several forms, including preservative-free single-use units.
- Used under supervision for targeted, short-term treatment.
Disadvantages
- Can raise eye pressure and lead to glaucoma, especially 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
Prednisolone eye drops are a steroid and must be used exactly as prescribed, usually for a short course and then tapered off rather than stopped abruptly. They must never be put into a red eye that has not been examined, because using a steroid on an undiagnosed eye, especially one infected with herpes simplex (the cold-sore virus), can cause serious harm to sight. With longer use they can raise the pressure inside the eye and lead to glaucoma, encourage cataracts and hide or worsen infections, so your eye pressure may be monitored. Remove soft contact lenses before use unless told otherwise, wash your hands, and avoid touching the eye or lashes with the dropper. Report any increase in pain, redness or loss of vision to your prescriber straight away.
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 prednisolone or other ingredients in the drops.
Monitoring
- Regular eye pressure checks during longer courses to detect glaucoma.
- Watching for worsening infection, increasing pain or reduced vision.
- Review of how long the course is needed so it is not continued unnecessarily.
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 alongside 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 multidose bottles, including a suspension to be shaken, and preservative-free single-use units.
Answers
Prednisolone (eye drops): frequently asked questions
Why must a red eye be checked before using these drops?
Using a steroid on an undiagnosed eye, especially one with a herpes simplex infection, can seriously damage sight, so the eye must be examined first.
Can prednisolone drops affect my eye pressure?
Yes, steroid drops can raise the pressure inside the eye and lead to glaucoma, which is why monitoring may be arranged during treatment.
Can I stop them as soon as my eye feels better?
Follow your prescriber's plan; the drops are usually tapered down rather than stopped suddenly, and only for the prescribed course.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, prednisolone eye drops are prescription-only and used under medical supervision.
Can I wear contact lenses with them?
Remove soft lenses before using the drops unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
The wider class
About Corticosteroid eye drops
Prednisolone (eye drops) 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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