Various products are available, includ­ing dexamethasone (Decadron), fluorometholone (FML), hydro­cortisone (Optef), medrysone (HMS), prednisolone acetate (Pred-nefrin), and prednisolone sodium phosphate (Inflamase).

As is true of other corticosteroids, adverse effects depend on the potency, concentration, and frequency and duration of use. Ophthalmic steroid preparations should be avoided in eye infections. Common adverse effects are discomfort and a burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by watery eyes, dilated pupils, blurring of near vision, and drooped eyelids. The bloodstream absorbs enough corticosteroid to cause partial adrenal suppression in adults and, with prolonged use in children, the de­velopment of systemic side effects. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase pressure within the eyes and eventually damage the optic nerve, as well as lead to cata­racts and, rarely, inflammation of various parts of the eyes. Summary The drugs used in treating allergic disorders are considered among the safest in medicine, even though these drugs can have minor side effects, for example, nausea, drowsiness, and nervousness. The more serious side effects occur only rarely, and are usually reversible by discontinuing the drug being used or by reducing the dosage. No drag produces only the precise effect desired; all drugs have various effects. Undesirable effects —called side effects, adverse effects, or secondary effects—become acceptable if the potential therapeutic benefit is suf­ficient. The potential benefits may be maximized and the risks mini­mized if drugs are taken as directed by one’s physician.

Ophthalmic corticosteroids are useful in treating allergic con­junctivitis (an inflammation of the eye covering) and certain forms of nonallergic, noninfectious conjunctivitis that do not respond to oral antihistamines or topical decongestants.