Dexamethasone eye drops are a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid). Steroids are copies of a hormone your body makes naturally. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
They're used to treat eye inflammation by reducing swelling, redness and irritation. These can be symptoms of eye injuries, surgery, or damage caused by severe allergies or chemicals.
It's also safe to use dexamethasone eye drops in the ear but only when you've been advised to do so by a doctor.
Dexamethasone eye drops come in eye-drop bottles, which may have a preservative in them, or in single dose droppers that are preservative-free. It's available on prescription only.
Dexamethasone eye drops and ointment are also available combined with antibiotics to treat eye inflammation and infection. Brand names include Maxitrol, Sofradex or Tobradex for eyes and Sofradex or Otomize for ears.
Dexamethasone also comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, and injections. These are used to treat severe allergy symptoms, croup and lupus. It is also used in hospitals for severe cases of COVID-19 and other serious infections.
Key facts
- You'll usually use dexamethasone eye drops 4 to 6 times a day. To get the full benefit, use them regularly, as recommended by your doctor.
- Dexamethasone eye drops start to work within a couple of days.
- If you've been using dexamethasone eye drops for more than 1 to 2 weeks, your doctor may ask you to gradually reduce how often you use them each day until you stop completely.
- Common side effects include eye irritation and blurred vision.