Fluorometholone: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Exist

When your eyes are red, itchy, or swollen, fluorometholone, a mild corticosteroid eye drop used to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions in the eye. Also known as FML, it’s often prescribed when over-the-counter drops don’t cut it—but it’s not a cure-all. Unlike antibiotics that fight infection, fluorometholone works by calming down your body’s own immune response. It’s not for every eye problem. If you’ve got an infection, this won’t help. But if your eyes are reacting to pollen, dust, or even contact lenses, it can bring quick relief.

Fluorometholone belongs to a group called corticosteroids, the same class as prednisone or hydrocortisone—but designed to be gentler on the eye. It’s often chosen over stronger steroids like dexamethasone because it carries a lower risk of raising eye pressure or causing cataracts with short-term use. That’s why doctors reach for it first in cases of mild to moderate uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or post-surgery swelling. But even mild steroids need caution. Using them too long, even if they feel like they’re working, can silently damage your vision. That’s why most prescriptions are for just a few days or weeks.

People often ask if there are better or safer options. Yes. For allergies, antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen or olopatadine work fast and don’t carry steroid risks. For inflammation from autoimmune conditions, non-steroidal drops like ketorolac might be preferred. And for chronic issues, doctors sometimes combine treatments—using a steroid short-term to get things under control, then switching to a maintenance option. Fluorometholone isn’t the only tool in the box, but it’s one of the most commonly used because it balances effectiveness with safety.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons and patient experiences with fluorometholone and similar treatments. You’ll see how it stacks up against other steroid eye drops, what side effects people actually report, and when switching to a non-steroid option makes more sense. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for.