What Is Prednisolone (Ophthalmic Route) and When Is It Used?

Prednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. If your eyes are red, irritated, swollen, or inflamed due to an infection, then prednisolone eye drops or ointment can help solve these problems.

Prednisolone is prescription-only and treats deeper eye inflammation, which requires careful use. Misuse of it, such as taking too much, dosing improperly, or using it for the wrong condition, can cause side effects or make infections worse.

Prednisolone has multiple ophthalmic preparations. The most common form is prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension. It penetrates the tissues of the eye, calming redness, swelling, and discomfort.

The acetate form is effective due to its ability to penetrate deep into the eye tissue, so that it can reach the deeper parts of the eye, such as the anterior chamber. This is why doctors recommend it often in cases of severe inflammation after cataract surgery or when treating anterior uveitis. Your doctor will make an appropriate choice based on:

• Which part of the eye is affected (the surface vs the inside of the eye)
• How frequently can you use the medicine
• If you need overnight relief
• How much preservative can you tolerate in the eye drops?

Use of prednisolone eye drops properly will maximise the effectiveness of the medication and minimise the side effects.

How to use:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. If you’re using prednisolone acetate suspension, shake the bottle well before use.

3. Tilt your head back slightly and look up at the ceiling.

4. Hold the dropper above your eye.

5. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops.

6. Close your eye and press the inner corner near your nose for 1–2 minutes to prevent the medication from draining.

7. Blot any excess fluid with a clean tissue.

8. Wait at least 5-10 minutes if you’re on any other eye medications. If you’re also using an eye ointment, then put in the drops first and use the ointment afterwards.

Prednisolone Eye Drop Dosage: Detailed Instructions and Frequency

1. The dose of prednisolone eye drops depends on the severity of the infection and the instructions of your doctor.

2. If the inflammation is mild, then the doctor may instruct you to use 1-2 drops in the affected eye, 2-4 times per day.

3. In severe cases of inflammation, you may be instructed to use 1-2 drops in the affected eye every 1-2 hours for the first few days.

4. Never stop suddenly after using prednisolone eye drops for more than a few days, as the inflammation can flare. Always follow the timeline given by your doctor.

Prednisolone Acetate Eye Drops vs. Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Suspension

The acetate is more lipophilic (fat-loving) and, therefore, it penetrates eye tissues more efficiently. Most cases of internal eye inflammation are treated with Prednisolone acetate. Phosphate is more water-soluble and is mostly used in the case of conjunctival or corneal surface inflammation.

They’re both corticosteroids, but cannot be interchanged due to the difference in their potency and tissue penetration; therefore, don’t switch from one formulation to another without consulting your doctor.

Prednisolone ointment is thicker than the eye drops and stays on the eye longer, which is why it's typically used at night. It's a strong and effective treatment for surface inflammation and conjunctivitis.

How to use:

Always wash your hands before bringing them anywhere near your eyes.

Gently hold down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket.

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of ointment into this pocket.

Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes and allow the ointment to absorb.

You’ll experience temporary blurred vision, but this is quite normal.

Sometimes, the inflammation occurs with an eye infection. In this scenario, the doctors may prescribe a combined drop that includes prednisolone acetate to control the inflammation and gatifloxacin, an antibiotic that kills the bacteria. Doctors usually prescribe this combo after surgery, where preventing an infection is as important as controlling swelling or inflammation.

Benefits and Precautions of Gatifloxacin Prednisolone Combination

Benefits:

• Provides dual action as it treats bacterial infection and any inflammation.
• It's pretty effective, and you need fewer bottles.

Precautions:

• Should not be used if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye.
• It can promote fungal overgrowth if used for a prolonged duration.

Gatifloxacin and Prednisolone eye drops are effective but can cause side effects with long-term use. Common side effects include:

• May cause some mild stinging or burning after application.
• Blurred vision.
• Mild light sensitivity.
• And serious side effects (Visit a doctor if these symptoms occur):
• Eye pain, redness, swelling.
• Red eyes.
• Vision change-see halos around lights.
• Symptoms that may signal infection, like discharge or swelling.

Long-term risk

• May increase eye pressure (glaucoma).
• Increased risk for cataracts.
• Slower healing of corneal injuries.

1. Room temperature, not to be stored in direct sunlight.

2. Keep the bottle closed tightly or at least tightly packaged.

3. Don't let the dropper touch any surface.

4. Discard after expiry date or 4 weeks if opened (unless instructed otherwise).

Q. What are prednisolone eye drops used for?

A. To treat eye inflammation from surgery, injury, or infection.

Q. How do you use prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension safely?

A. Use them according to your doctor’s instructions. Ensure you don’t have any contacts on, wash your hands thoroughly, and avoid letting them get contaminated before use.

Q. What is the correct dosage for prednisolone eye drops?

A. It varies by condition, so always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Q. What is the difference between prednisolone acetate eye drops and ointment?

A. Eye drops work quickly and are for daytime use, while ointment lasts longer but can blur vision.

Q. Can I use prednisolone eye drops with contact lenses?

A. Avoid contact lenses while using the drops unless your doctor says it’s safe.

Q. What are the side effects of prednisolone acetate eye drops?

A. Possible side effects include mild stinging, blurred vision, or watery eyes.

Q. Is prednisolone ophthalmic suspension safe for long-term use?

A. Long-term use may cause side effects, so continue only under medical supervision.

Q. How often should I shake prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension before use?

A. Shake the suspension well before every use to ensure even medicine distribution.