Sometimes your eyes suddenly become red, itchy, and swollen, right? Maybe it's dust, or it could be an allergy. In times like these, your doctor may prescribe eye drops. One such drug is Fluorometholone. Today, let's learn more about this drug, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is this Fluorometholone?
Simply put, Fluorometholone is a type of steroid (corticosteroid) . But don't be scared when you hear the word "steroid." This is not like the steroids you take inside your body. It is used to quickly control conditions such as swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions inside the eye. This is a medicine that is only applied to the eye. This medicine may come under different brand names such as Flarex, FML. But they all contain the same drug called Fluorometholone.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is very important that you clearly explain the following information to your doctor so that he or she can decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
| Your situation | Why should I inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you have an eye or other infection in the body. | Steroids can worsen some bacterial or fungal infections, so any other infections that you have may need to be treated as well. |
| If you have cataracts or glaucoma . | Long-term use of this medication can increase eye pressure, which may worsen glaucoma. |
| If you wear contact lenses . | You should ask your doctor whether or not you can wear lenses while using the medication, and if so, how to wear them. |
| If you have recently had eye surgery . | This medicine may affect the eye's healing process after surgery. |
| If you have allergies to this medicine, other steroids, or anything else. | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . | The doctor will determine if there is any effect on the baby in the womb or the breastfed baby and will tell you what is safest. |
How do you use these eye drops correctly?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to apply it exactly to your eye. It's very easy. Follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is very important to prevent infections.
2. Shake the bottle: This is a suspension, which means the medicine particles float in the liquid. So you need to shake the bottle well before using it. This will mix the medicine properly.
3. Prepare the eye: Tilt your head back a little and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch between your lower eyelid and your eye, right? That's where the medicine needs to be applied.
4. Apply the medicine: Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else . Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle. Put the number of drops the doctor told you to put into the bag formed by your eyelid.
5. Close your eyes: Then slowly close your eyes and wait for about a minute. Do not close your eyes tightly. Closing them slowly will help the medicine spread throughout your eyes.
6. Be patient: Your vision may be slightly blurry for a few minutes after applying the medicine. This is normal and will resolve in a short time.
Most importantly: Never use more than your doctor has prescribed, or stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice. Stopping it like that can cause your symptoms to come back.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
Please don't worry about it. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember too close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If anyone accidentally takes this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or take them to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after two days of use, or if they worsen, tell your doctor immediately .
- If your eyes continue to feel itchy or sore after applying the medication, it could be an allergy. If so, stop using the medication and talk to your doctor .
- If you wear contact lenses, be sure to ask your doctor if you can wear them while using this medication. If they do, wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before putting the lenses back in .
- To prevent the spread of infection, do not share your eye drop bottle, eye wipes, or cloths with anyone else.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone does.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Eye changes | Eye pain, persistent blurred vision, or decreased vision. |
| Symptoms of a new infection | Pus-like fluid draining from the eye, increasing swelling. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Temporary features | Immediately after applying the medicine, blurred vision, watering of the eyes, and slight burning or redness may occur for a few minutes. |
| Change in taste | Feeling a different taste in the throat after taking the medicine (because the eye is connected to the throat through the nose). |
Take-Home Message
- Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid eye drop used to treat eye swelling, redness, and allergies.
- Before using it, you should tell your doctor about your other medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- When using the medicine, it is very important to use it cleanly, without letting the mouth of the bottle touch your eyes or hands.
- Do not suddenly stop using the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you experience eye pain, decreased vision, or severe allergic symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
- After 28 days of opening the bottle, throw away any remaining medicine.
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