Pred Forte: what it is and why people use it

A short course of Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate 1%) can calm painful, red, inflamed eyes fast. It’s a steroid eye drop doctors prescribe for conditions like allergic conjunctivitis, post‑operative inflammation, and some types of uveitis. Pred Forte reduces swelling and discomfort by blocking parts of the immune response that cause inflammation.

How to use Pred Forte safely

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. Typical tips that help you use the drops correctly:

- Wash your hands first and avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye.
- Shake the bottle well before each use (it’s a suspension).
- Tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid, place one drop in the pocket, then close your eye for 30–60 seconds.
- If you use other eye drops, wait about 5 minutes between different products.
- Don’t wear contact lenses while your eye is infected or irritated unless your doctor says it’s okay.

For severe inflammation, doctors may start with more frequent dosing and then taper the drops over days to weeks. Never stop suddenly if you’ve been on Pred Forte for several weeks—your eye doctor will advise a taper to avoid rebound inflammation.

Side effects, risks and when to call your doctor

Short‑term use often causes mild effects like temporary stinging, blurred vision right after the drop, or a bitter taste. Bigger risks appear with longer use: steroid drops can raise intraocular pressure (which can lead to glaucoma) and accelerate cataract formation. They can also mask or worsen eye infections like herpes or fungal keratitis.

Call your doctor if you notice worsening redness, increasing pain, sudden vision changes, light sensitivity, or new floaters. If you need Pred Forte for more than a couple of weeks, ask your eye doctor about regular pressure checks—usually within 1–4 weeks of starting therapy and periodically after that.

Pred Forte is a prescription medication. Do not buy from unverified online sellers. Your prescriber will check for infections or conditions that make steroid drops unsafe and will set the right dose and length of treatment.

Storage is simple: keep the bottle tightly closed at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight, and discard if the solution changes color or looks cloudy. If you’re unsure about storage time after opening, ask your pharmacist.

Bottom line: Pred Forte works well for many inflammatory eye problems but needs careful use. Follow instructions, protect your eyes from infection, and contact your eye doctor for any worrying symptoms or if treatment goes beyond a short course.