When applied to the eyes, prednisolone reduces eye inflammation brought on by substances such as chemicals, heat, radiation, infections, allergies, or foreign objects. Sometimes it is used following eye surgery. Prednisolone is a member of the class of medications known as steroids. It modifies immune system operation to prevent swelling and redness.

Prednisolone is offered as an eye ointment, an eye drop suspension, and a solution (liquid) for instillation into the eye for use in the treatment of eye conditions. Any directions on your prescription label that you are unclear about following, ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify. When using eye drops or eye ointment containing prednisolone, adhere to the directions on the label. Do not use it more frequently or less frequently than your doctor has prescribed.

Continue using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment even if you feel OK. Never discontinue using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment without seeing your doctor.

Follow these guidelines to use the eye drops:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• If the eye drops need to be shaken before use, check the bottle label. If the label instructs you to, shake the bottle thoroughly.
• Make sure the dropper tip is not broken or chipped by inspecting it.
• Eye drops and droppers must be kept clean; avoid contacting the dropper tip to your eye or anything else.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with your index finger while cocking your head back.
• With your other hand, place the dropper as near to your eye as you can without touching it, tip down.
• Place the hand’s remaining fingers to your face.
• Squeeze the dropper gently while looking up so that a single drop falls into the lower eyelid’s pocket. Your index finger should be taken off the lower eyelid.
• Tip your head down so that you are looking at the floor while closing your eyes for two to three minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids.
• Give the tear duct a slight squeeze with your finger.
• Use a tissue to remove any extra liquid from your face.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before administering the subsequent drop if you need to use more than one in the same eye.
• Replace and secure the dropper bottle’s cap. Never rinse or clean the dropper tip.
• To get rid of any medication, wash your hands.

Follow these instructions to apply the eye ointment:

• Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands.
• Apply the cream yourself or have someone else do it.
• Do not touch the tube’s tip to your eye or to anything else. Keep the ointment tidy at all times.
• Lean your head slightly forward.
• Place the tube as close to your eyelid as you can without touching it while holding it between your thumb and index finger.
• Put the hand’s remaining fingers against your cheek or nose.
• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket with the index finger of your other hand.
• In the space created by the lower lid and the eye, dab some ointment. In most cases, a 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment is sufficient unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
• To help the medication be absorbed, gently close your eyes and hold them closed for one to two minutes.
  Immediately replace and tighten the cap.
• With a fresh tissue, remove any extra ointment from your eyes and lashes. Rewash your hands.
• After using the eye ointment, your eyesight can be hazy for a short while. Before driving or performing other tasks that call on clear vision, wait until your vision has returned to normal.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Before using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment,

• If you have an allergy to prednisolone or any other medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist right away.
• In addition to vitamins, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know what prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
• If you have diabetes or glaucoma, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment.

If you miss a dosage, administer it as soon as you remember. Any doses left over for the day should be taken at regular intervals. Use only the regularly scheduled dose if, however, you are aware of a missed dose at the time the subsequent dose is due. Never administer or apply a second dose to make up for one that was missed.

There may be negative effects from using prednisolone eye drops and eye ointment. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Eye stinging or burning that is momentary
• Temporary vision haze

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Eye discomfort

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

Call your doctor if you continue to experience eye irritation after using all of the prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.