Fluorometholone: What It Is and How to Use It

If your eye doctor has mentioned Fluorometholone, you’re probably dealing with inflammation, redness, or irritation after surgery or an injury. It’s a corticosteroid eye drop that reduces swelling and eases discomfort, letting your eyes heal faster. Below you’ll find the basics you need to know before you start using it.

When Fluorometholone Is Recommended

Doctors prescribe Fluorometholone for a range of eye problems, including post‑operative inflammation, allergic conjunctivitis, and uveitis. It’s especially helpful after cataract or LASIK surgery, where swelling can blur vision. If you have an infection, however, steroids can make it worse, so your doctor will only give Fluorometholone when the cause is non‑infectious.

Dosage, Application Tips, and Safety

Typical adult dosing is one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 4–6 hours. Your ophthalmologist may start with more frequent applications and taper down as symptoms improve. Always wash your hands before and after applying drops, and avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or lashes to keep it sterile.

Do not use Fluorometholone if you have a known allergy to steroids, an active eye infection, or a history of glaucoma without doctor supervision. Young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women should also get special guidance because the drug can affect intra‑ocular pressure.

Side effects are usually mild but worth watching for. Common reactions include temporary burning, stinging, or blurry vision right after a drop. In rarer cases, prolonged use can raise eye pressure, cause cataract formation, or trigger a hypersensitivity rash. If you notice sudden pain, increased redness, or vision changes, stop using the drops and call your eye doctor right away.

Fluorometholone can interact with other eye medications, especially other steroids or drugs that affect intra‑ocular pressure. Tell your clinician about every eye drop, ointment, or oral medication you use, including over‑the‑counter products.

Store the bottle at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it tightly capped and out of reach of children. If the solution becomes cloudy or discolored, discard it—using a compromised bottle can introduce contaminants to your eye.

Quick FAQ:

• Can I wear contact lenses while using Fluorometholone? Remove lenses before applying drops, wait at least 15 minutes, then re‑insert them.
• How long should I stay on the medication? Treatment length varies; many patients use it for 1–2 weeks, but follow your doctor’s schedule.
• Is it safe for long‑term use? Extended use raises the risk of pressure spikes and cataracts, so regular eye‑pressure checks are essential.

Bottom line: Fluorometholone is a powerful tool for calming eye inflammation, but it works best when you follow dosing instructions, watch for side effects, and keep in touch with your eye care professional throughout treatment.