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Overview: Prednisolone ophthalmic is a steroid eye drop used to relieve eye swelling and inflammation. Common side effects include burning or stinging, eye irritation, and blurred vision. Only use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes or if your eye condition gets worse while using prednisolone ophthalmic.

Uses

What is prednisolone ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Prednisolone ophthalmic is commonly used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the eye caused by various conditions that may include the following. 

Prednisolone ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does prednisolone ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Prednisolone ophthalmic is a steroid eye medicine. It works by calming the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is prednisolone ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Omnipred
  • Pred Forte
  • Pred Mild

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.12% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 1% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 1% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

Prednisolone is also available in a form that is taken by mouth. See Prednisolone for more information.

How should I store prednisolone ophthalmic?

Prednisolone ophthalmic should be stored upright at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Protect the bottle from light and keep it tightly closed between uses. Do not freeze. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Burning or stinging right after you apply it 
  • Eye pain, irritation, redness, or itching
  • Taste changes
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Blurry vision

There may be other side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prednisolone ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using prednisolone ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections and Delayed Healing. Using prednisolone ophthalmic for a long period of time can lead to eye infections, including fungal infections in some cases. Prednisolone ophthalmic may also hide or worsen an active infection, slow healing, or lead to a hole (perforation) in part of the eye. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes, or if your eye condition is not improving. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of an eye infection.

  • Eye itchiness or redness
  • Eye discharge or pus
  • Worsening inflammation or irritation
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Glaucoma. Prednisolone ophthalmic may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Do not use prednisolone ophthalmic for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Cataract. Prednisolone ophthalmic may cause cloudiness in your eye, which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Severe Eye Problems. Some prednisolone ophthalmic products may cause eye problems, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) and thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are getting worse or not improving.

  • Eye itchiness, redness, or pain
  • Swollen or itchy eyelids
  • An abnormal feeling in your eye
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use prednisolone ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use prednisolone ophthalmic.

  • Prednisolone 
  • Omnipred
  • Pred Forte
  • Pred Mild
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific prednisolone ophthalmic products they stock.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use prednisolone ophthalmic, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye

Foreign Body Removal. Some prednisolone ophthalmic products should not be used after having an object removed from the surface of the eye. 

What should I know about prednisolone ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use prednisolone ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. If you have trouble getting the drops in your eye, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your prednisolone ophthalmic product properly. Some prednisolone ophthalmic products may need to be shaken well before using them. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 

Do not share prednisolone ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep prednisolone ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Eye infections may occur if the prednisolone ophthalmic bottle gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the bottle tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

Do not use prednisolone ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. Ask your healthcare provider about when it is okay for you to wear them, as this may depend on your eye condition and specific prednisolone ophthalmic product.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using prednisolone ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if prednisolone ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or white of your eye
  • An infection

Planned Eye Surgery. Using prednisolone ophthalmic may raise the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how prednisolone ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Prednisolone ophthalmic may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use prednisolone ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does prednisolone ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between prednisolone ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect prednisolone ophthalmic.

Does prednisolone ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between prednisolone ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much prednisolone ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much prednisolone ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of prednisolone ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.