Prednisolone Eye Drops

How it works

Prednisolone suppresses the inflammatory response by inhibiting multiple inflammatory mediators and reducing capillary permeability and cellular infiltration at the ocular surface and anterior segment.

Prescribing in practice

• Topical ocular corticosteroids can raise intraocular pressure, promote cataract formation and worsen or mask ocular infection (including herpes simplex keratitis and fungal infection), so they should be used under specialist or appropriately experienced supervision and avoided in undiagnosed red eye.
• Prolonged use should be tapered rather than stopped abruptly to reduce rebound inflammation.
• Avoid in active untreated epithelial herpes simplex keratitis and other untreated ocular infections.

Monitoring

Intraocular pressure should be monitored during prolonged use, particularly in patients predisposed to a steroid response or with glaucoma.

Counselling the patient

• Use exactly as directed and do not stop suddenly without advice.
• Report any worsening pain, increasing redness or deteriorating vision promptly.
• Vision may blur briefly after instillation.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical corticosteroids are standard therapy for non-infective anterior segment inflammation, with MHRA and SPC guidance highlighting intraocular pressure and infection risks.