Steroid (corticosteroid) eye drops are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation after eye surgeries, to relieve conjunctivitis and dry eye, and to reduce retinal swelling or other inflammation caused by infection, allergies, or irritants in the eye. Common corticosteroid drops include dexamethasone, fluorometholone, prednisolone and hydrocortisone. Although steroid eye drops can be very effective if used as indicated under the supervision of an eye doctor, they carry some risk of side effects.
Temporary Side Effects
Steroid eye drops may cause mild, temporary side effects that can be bothersome but usually not serious. These side effects commonly include itching, burning, stinging, irritation or redness in the eye. Some may also experience a sensitivity to light, blurred vision and taste changes.
Severe Side Effects
In some instances, mild side effects may persist and progress to more serious problems, or you may have an allergic reaction to the corticosteroid drop. If you experience symptoms such as hives, a swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips or face, a rash, problems breathing or tightness in the chest, you may be allergic to the medication. Stop using the drops and contact your doctor right away. Also contact your doctor if you experience continued blurred or otherwise worsening vision (for example, seeing a halo around lights), discharge from the eyes, eye pain or pressure, worsening itching, redness, swelling or irritation, or a drooping of the eyelid.
Infection
The right amount of steroids can help reduce inflammation. However, too much (or too little) can lead to infection. If used over a long period, corticosteroids may reduce your eye's ability to fight off infection or repair itself after injury.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
When large amounts are used or when used chronically over a long time, corticosteroid eye drops can increase intraocular pressure (IOP). Long-term steroid use is known to be associated with the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts, which are very dense and don't go away once the medication is stopped. They can cause rapid vision loss and typically must be surgically removed.
Increased IOP can also lead to the development of glaucoma, particularly in those with a family history. If the rise in intraocular pressure is detected early enough, stopping the medication can resolve the problem and return the IOP to a normal level. However, if the eye drop use continues or is stopped too late, IOP can remain high and cause damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to partial vision loss or blindness.
