Loteprednol: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your eyes are red, swollen, or burning after surgery, an infection, or an allergic reaction, loteprednol, a type of corticosteroid designed specifically for the eye. Also known as loteprednol etabonate, it’s one of the few steroid eye drops that breaks down quickly in the eye, reducing the chance of long-term side effects like high pressure or cataracts. Unlike older steroids that stick around longer, loteprednol is engineered to be safer for daily use—making it a go-to for doctors treating short-term inflammation without risking vision damage.

It’s not just for post-surgery care. Loteprednol is also used for allergic conjunctivitis, uveitis, and even persistent dry eye when inflammation is the main problem. You won’t find it on the shelf—it’s a prescription only, because even mild steroids can cause trouble if misused. The key is using it exactly as directed: usually just a few drops, a few times a day, for no longer than your doctor says. Skip the urge to stretch the bottle or use it "just in case." That’s how glaucoma or fungal infections sneak in.

It’s often compared to other eye steroids like prednisolone or dexamethasone, but loteprednol stands out because it’s less likely to raise eye pressure. A 2022 study in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology showed patients using loteprednol for four weeks had no significant increase in intraocular pressure, while those on prednisolone saw spikes in nearly 15% of cases. That’s why many ophthalmologists start with loteprednol when they need to reduce swelling fast but want to keep things safe.

Still, it’s not magic. It doesn’t treat infections on its own—you’ll need antibiotics if bacteria are involved. And if you’re using it for allergies, antihistamine drops might work better for itching. Loteprednol targets inflammation, not the root cause. That’s why your doctor will check your eyes before and after treatment. They’re not just being thorough—they’re watching for signs that the steroid isn’t working or is causing harm.

Side effects? Most people feel nothing. But some report a slight stinging at first, blurry vision for a minute or two, or a weird taste in the mouth (yes, that’s normal—it drains through your tear ducts). Rarely, you might get increased eye pressure, cataracts, or a new infection. If your vision gets worse, your eye becomes more painful, or you see halos around lights, stop using it and call your doctor right away.

The posts below cover real cases and comparisons: how loteprednol stacks up against other steroid eye drops, what happens when people use it too long, and how it fits into treatment plans for everything from allergic reactions to post-LASIK recovery. You’ll find what works, what doesn’t, and what your doctor might not tell you unless you ask.