When your eyes feel red, swollen, or burning, anti-inflammatory eye drops, medications designed to reduce swelling and irritation inside the eye. Also known as ocular anti-inflammatories, they’re often the first line of defense for conditions like uveitis, scleritis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Unlike simple lubricating drops, these target the immune response causing the pain—slowing down the cells and chemicals that turn your eye into a battleground.
One of the most common types is steroid eye drops, corticosteroid-based treatments that powerfully suppress inflammation. Fluorometholone is a popular example, used for autoimmune eye diseases and post-surgery recovery. But steroids aren’t the only option. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops (NSAIDs) like ketorolac offer relief without the long-term risks of steroids, such as increased eye pressure or cataracts. Then there are newer options—some combining anti-inflammatory action with antibiotics or antihistamines—to tackle multiple symptoms at once.
Who uses these? People with chronic conditions like uveitis, those recovering from cataract or LASIK surgery, or anyone dealing with seasonal allergies that turn their eyes into a raw, watery mess. But they’re not for everyone. Using them without a diagnosis can mask serious infections or make glaucoma worse. That’s why most require a prescription and regular monitoring.
What you’ll find below is a practical mix of real-world comparisons: how fluorometholone stacks up against other steroids, what alternatives work just as well without the side effects, and when it’s smarter to skip drops entirely and try a different approach. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re based on actual patient experiences and clinical data. You’ll see how some people manage inflammation with lower doses, others switch to non-steroid options, and a few discover that lifestyle changes reduce their need for drops altogether.
If you’ve been told you need anti-inflammatory eye drops and are wondering if there’s a better, cheaper, or safer way—you’re in the right place. This collection cuts through the noise and gives you what actually works.
FML Forte (fluorometholone) treats eye inflammation, but safer alternatives like Lotemax and Alrex exist. Learn when to use each, the risks of steroids, and non-steroid options for long-term relief.