Fluorometholone (FML) is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid eye medicine used to treat various eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis and mild surface inflammation.
| Drug class | Corticosteroid (Topical – Mild) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop (suspension) / Ointment |
| Common strength | 0.1% |
| Common Indian brands | FML, Flarex (fluorometholone acetate) |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Fluorometholone (FML) is used for
Fluorometholone (FML) is an anti-inflammatory medicine, specifically a mild corticosteroid, prescribed for various eye conditions. It helps reduce inflammation and discomfort in the eyes.
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Mild surface inflammation of the eye
- Post-LASIK inflammation (after LASIK eye surgery)
How it works
Fluorometholone (FML) is a type of steroid medicine that works by reducing inflammation in the eye. It is considered a milder steroid, which means it has a lower tendency to cause an increase in eye pressure compared to some other steroid eye medications. This makes it a useful option for managing eye inflammation while being mindful of potential side effects.
How it’s used
Fluorometholone (FML) is available as an eye drop (suspension) or an ointment. Your eye doctor will tell you which form is best for your condition and how to use it.
The typical dosing for Fluorometholone (FML) eye drops is 1 drop 2-4 times a day. Your doctor will provide specific instructions tailored to your condition and how long you need to use the medicine. It is crucial to follow these instructions precisely and not to stop using the medicine or change the dosage without consulting your eye doctor.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- FML
- Flarex (fluorometholone acetate)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Important safety warning
STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE. Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can cause steroid-induced glaucoma (silent, irreversible optic-nerve damage) and cataract, and can turn a viral or fungal eye infection into a sight-threatening one. Use only on an eye doctor's prescription, for the stated duration, with eye-pressure checks. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye.
Precautions & side effects
Fluorometholone (FML) is a prescription medicine and must only be used under the guidance of an eye doctor. It is a steroid, and while it is a milder one, certain precautions are very important:
- STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE: This is a critical warning. Never use steroid eye drops or ointment without a prescription from an eye doctor.
- Eye Pressure Monitoring: Even mild steroids like Fluorometholone can potentially increase eye pressure, especially with prolonged use. Regular eye pressure checks by your doctor are essential during treatment, particularly for children.
- Children with VKC: Fluorometholone is commonly used in children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in short bursts or ‘pulses’. However, even in children, eye pressure monitoring is necessary.
- Risk of Serious Eye Problems: Unsupervised or prolonged use of any steroid eye medication can lead to serious and irreversible eye damage, including:
- Steroid-induced glaucoma: This is a silent condition that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss.
- Cataract: Steroids can accelerate the development of cataracts, which cloud the natural lens of the eye.
- Worsening Infections: If you have an undiagnosed viral or fungal eye infection, using steroid eye drops can make the infection much worse, potentially leading to severe, sight-threatening complications.
- Never Repeat an Old Prescription: If your eye becomes red again, do not use an old prescription for Fluorometholone or any other steroid eye drop. A red eye can be a symptom of many different conditions, some of which can be severely worsened by steroids. Always see your eye doctor for a new diagnosis and prescription.
Always discuss your full medical history and any other medications you are taking with your eye doctor before starting Fluorometholone.
Understanding Your Eye Condition
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe that understanding your eye condition is the first step towards better eye health. Fluorometholone (FML) is prescribed for various inflammatory eye conditions. For example, Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, severe form of allergic conjunctivitis that mainly affects children and young adults, especially in warmer climates like India. It causes intense itching, redness, tearing, and a feeling of something in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition where the eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, leading to redness, itching, and watery eyes. Mild surface inflammation can occur due to various irritants or minor injuries. After certain eye surgeries, like LASIK, a mild inflammatory response is normal, and medications like Fluorometholone help manage this to ensure proper healing.
These conditions are often uncomfortable and can affect your daily life. The goal of treatment with medicines like Fluorometholone is to reduce the inflammation, relieve your symptoms, and help your eyes heal properly. Your eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals will explain your specific condition and how this medicine will help.
How to Use Eye Drops and Ointments Correctly
Using your eye medicine correctly is vital for its effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Follow these steps carefully:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or your medicine.
- Prepare the Medicine: If using eye drops (suspension), gently shake the bottle a few times before use to ensure the medicine is well mixed. If using ointment, ensure the tube is clean.
- Position Yourself: Tilt your head back or lie down. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
- Apply the Medicine:
– For Eye Drops: Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface with the tip. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you created. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without squeezing, to allow the medicine to spread.
– For Ointment: Hold the tube over your eye without touching it. Squeeze a small ribbon (about 1 cm or half an inch) of ointment into the pocket you created in your lower eyelid. Close your eye gently and roll your eyeball around to help spread the ointment. You might experience blurry vision for a short time after applying ointment. - Clean Up: If any medicine spills onto your face, gently wipe it away. Do not rinse the dropper tip or the ointment tube tip.
- Replace Cap: Immediately replace the cap tightly on the bottle or tube to prevent contamination.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.
If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each one to be absorbed properly.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, especially when treating an eye condition. Always use fresh, clean tissues to wipe your eyes. Avoid sharing eye makeup, towels, or other personal items that come into contact with your eyes. Store your eye medicine at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, and keep it out of reach of children. Never use eye drops or ointments past their expiry date, or if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured (unless it’s a suspension that needs shaking).
It is important to be vigilant about your eye health. While using Fluorometholone (FML), if you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as increased redness, pain, vision changes, new discharge, or if your symptoms do not improve as expected, contact your eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately. Remember, steroid eye medications require careful monitoring. If you miss an appointment for an eye pressure check, reschedule it as soon as possible. Never stop your medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, as this can sometimes lead to a relapse or other complications. Your eye doctor will guide you on when and how to safely discontinue the medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluorometholone (FML) used for?
Fluorometholone (FML) is an anti-inflammatory eye medicine used to treat conditions like Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), allergic conjunctivitis, mild surface inflammation of the eye, and inflammation after LASIK surgery.
How does Fluorometholone (FML) work?
Fluorometholone (FML) is a milder steroid that works by reducing inflammation in the eye. It has a lower tendency to raise eye pressure compared to some other steroid eye medications.
What are the common Indian brands for Fluorometholone?
In India, common brands for Fluorometholone include FML and Flarex (which contains fluorometholone acetate).
How should I use Fluorometholone (FML) eye drops or ointment?
The typical dosing for Fluorometholone (FML) eye drops is 1 drop 2-4 times a day. Your eye doctor will give you specific instructions on how often and for how long to use the eye drops or ointment. Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely.
Do I need a prescription for Fluorometholone (FML)?
Yes, Fluorometholone (FML) is a prescription medicine. It is a steroid and must only be used under the direct supervision and prescription of an eye doctor.
What are the key precautions I should take when using Fluorometholone (FML)?
It is critical not to self-medicate with Fluorometholone (FML). Unsupervised or prolonged use can cause serious eye problems like steroid-induced glaucoma, cataract, and can worsen viral or fungal eye infections. Regular eye pressure monitoring by your doctor is essential, especially for children. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye; always consult your doctor.
References
- Eye Diseases – MedlinePlus
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.