Fluorometholone Eye Drops – Quick Guide
If your doctor prescribed Fluorometholone, you’re probably dealing with eye inflammation, allergic reaction, or after‑surgery irritation. It’s a steroid eye drop that reduces swelling and redness fast. Below you’ll find the basics you need to use it safely and get the most relief.
When to Use Fluorometholone
Fluorometholone is mainly used for:
- Post‑operative inflammation after cataract or LASIK surgery.
- Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye).
- Severe allergic conjunctivitis that hasn’t responded to antihistamine drops.
- Other eye conditions where a doctor wants stronger anti‑inflammatory action.
It’s not a first‑line treatment for mild irritation, and you should never start it without a prescription. The drug works by calming the immune response in the eye, which cuts down swelling and eases pain.
How to Use It Safely
Follow these steps each time you apply the drops:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Shake the bottle gently if the label says to do so.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket.
- Hold the bottle close to the eye—no need to touch the tip to anything.
- Press the prescribed number of drops (usually one) into the pocket.
- Close your eye gently for about a minute. Press the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) to keep the medication from draining into the tear duct.
- Repeat for the other eye if your prescription says so.
Most doctors tell you to use Fluorometholone 2–4 times a day at the start, then taper down over a week or two. Never stop abruptly; a sudden drop in steroid can cause rebound inflammation.
Keep the bottle sealed when you’re not using it and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you notice cloudiness in the solution, discard it—contaminated drops can harm your eye.
Common side effects include mild stinging right after application, temporary blurred vision, and a slight increase in eye pressure. If you develop a persistent sore feeling, worsening redness, or notice halos around lights, call your eye doctor right away. These could be signs of increased intra‑ocular pressure, a serious condition that needs prompt attention.
Because Fluorometholone is a steroid, long‑term use can lead to cataract formation or glaucoma, especially in people with a history of eye pressure problems. That’s why doctors keep the treatment short and monitor pressure with regular check‑ups.
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss risks with their doctor. While limited data exist, most clinicians avoid steroids unless the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk.
In summary, Fluorometholone is a powerful tool for acute eye inflammation when used exactly as prescribed. Keep your hands clean, follow the dosing schedule, watch for side effects, and attend follow‑up appointments. Doing so will help you recover quickly without compromising long‑term eye health.
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