The corticosteroid medication prednisolone--which is also sold as Pred Forte--is an ophthalmic medication that can be used to treat a variety of eye conditions, says the Macula Center. Because Pred Forte can reduce inflammation or irritation in the eye, eye doctors often use this medication after surgical procedures and to treat inflammation inside the eye. Although this eye drop is a commonly used eye medication, eye doctors closely monitor patients who use it because of the risk of side effects.
Eye Discomfort
When the Pred Forte eye drops are first placed into the eye, the patient may feel some burning or stinging in the eye, according to Drugs.com. The discomfort should wear off after a few minutes. If these symptoms become bothersome or persist, the patient should contact the eye doctor for further evaluation.
Thinning of Tissues of the Eye
According to the Pred Fforte product information document, corticosteroids have been associated with thinning of both the cornea and sclera of the eye. The corneas in patients who have certain conditions, like pellucid marginal degeneration, may become thinner with the use of Pred Forte, says Walter Bethke in "Review of Ophthalmology." This thinning may lead to a perforation of the eye.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
The use of Pred Forte eye drops can cause an increase in the pressure inside the eye, notes NetDoctor. The eye pressure may increase gradually over the treatment period or may increase much faster. The eye pressure may return to normal after discontinuing the eye medications; however, some patients go on to develop damage to the optic nerve and glaucoma after the use of Pred Forte, says the Pred Forte product information document. Pred Forte should be only used in patients with preexisting glaucoma under close supervision by an eye doctor.
Cataract Formation
Corticosteroid eye drops like Pred Forte can also cause cataract formation, says Drugs.com. The type of cataract that usually forms with Pred Forte is called a posterior subcapsular cataract, which is located on the back of the lens; this kind of cataract can cause glare and problems with reading, notes the Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation & Education website. This type of cataract develops quickly and does not go away after the Pred Forte eye drop is discontinued. Cataract surgery is the only effective long-term treatment for cataracts.
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