Ominpred ophthalmic drops are steroid drops used in the eye to decrease or prevent inflammation. The active ingredient in Omnipred is prednisolone acetate. Omnipred is used to treat a number of ophthalmic conditions including infection and swelling; Omnipred is frequently used after ophthalmic surgery. As with any drug, Omnipred has side effects; some can be severe.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Omnipred are stinging upon administration, burning, redness and itching. Irritation, swelling around the eye, blurred vision and light sensitivity are also common symptoms.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
A rise in the pressure in the eye is the most common adverse or serious side effect of Omnipred drops, the Food and Drug Administration states. A rise in the intraocular pressure can lead to glaucoma, a rise in pressure that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss or blindness. Intraocular pressure should be checked regularly in patients taking Omnipred for longer than 10 days, and signs of increased intraocular pressure such as blurred or decreased vision should be promptly reported to your doctor.
Ocular Infections
Omnipred suppresses normal immune reactions that control infection. Fungal and viral infections of the eye are most likely to occur when taking Omnipred, but bacterial infections are also possible. Using Omnipred to treat inflammation in the case of infections such as herpes simplex can prolong the infection, according to the FDA.
Tissue Thinning
Omnipred can lead to thinning of the tissues in the sclera, the white part of the eye, and the cornea, the clear domed membrane that covers the front of the eye. Thinning tissue can perforate, leading to scarring that results in vision loss.
Cataract Formation
Long-term use of opthalmic steroid drops such as Omnipred can cause posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) formation in the eye. Cataracts cause the lens in the eye to become cloudy and difficult to see through. Subcapsular cataracts are cataracts that form in the capsule of the lens; there are often few symptoms until the cataract matures. Subcapsular cataracts can make it difficult to read and cause glare during night driving. Regular ophthalmic checks will detect the presence of cataracts.
Other Side Effects
Omnipred use can cause inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye, or of the cornea, corneal ulcers or loss of accommodation, which is the ability of the eye to focus on close-up objects. Pupil dilation, and ptosis, or droopy eyelids, may also occur. Allergic reactions, including hives, swelling around the eyes and shortness of breath are also possible after using Omnipred.
