When your eyes are red, swollen, or burning from inflammation, eye steroid drops, prescription corticosteroid medications used to reduce inflammation in the eye. Also known as steroid eye treatment, they’re often the first line of defense for conditions like uveitis, scleritis, and other autoimmune eye diseases. These aren’t your average eye drops—they’re powerful. Used the right way, they can stop damage before it starts. Used wrong? They can raise eye pressure, cause cataracts, or even lead to vision loss.
Fluorometholone, a common type of eye steroid drop, is one of the milder options still used for long-term control of ocular inflammation. It’s not for every eye problem, though. If you’ve got an infection, steroid drops can make it worse. That’s why doctors only prescribe them after ruling out viruses or bacteria. People with autoimmune eye disease, conditions where the body attacks its own eye tissues often rely on these drops to keep flare-ups under control. But they’re not a cure. They’re a tool—like a fire extinguisher for inflammation.
Not everyone needs steroids. Some cases of mild eye redness respond to non-steroid options like lubricating drops or cold compresses. Others need stronger meds like cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops, especially if steroid side effects become a problem. And if you’re using steroid drops for months, your eye doctor will check your pressure regularly. No one wants to find out too late that their vision is fading because of untreated glaucoma.
What you’ll find below are real comparisons and patient-focused guides. You’ll see how fluorometholone stacks up against other treatments, what the risks really look like, and how people manage long-term eye inflammation without relying on steroids. These aren’t marketing pages. They’re clear, no-fluff breakdowns from people who’ve been there—whether they’re patients or clinicians. If you’re trying to understand your prescription, avoid side effects, or find alternatives, what’s here will help you make smarter choices.
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.