Prednisolone acetate 1% is used for what?

• A. Postoperative inflammation
• B. Glaucoma management
• C. Corneal ulcers bacterial coverage
• D. Antibiotic prophylaxis

Answer: (A)

Controlling inflammation after eye surgery is the main use of prednisolone acetate 1%. As a potent topical corticosteroid, it dampens the inflammatory response in the anterior segment by reducing leukocyte infiltration, vascular permeability, and prostaglandin-mediated pain. This helps lessen redness, swelling, and irritation after procedures like cataract surgery, promoting faster, more comfortable healing.

It isn’t used to treat glaucoma, because steroids can raise intraocular pressure and may worsen or complicate glaucoma management. It also doesn’t provide antibiotic coverage; antibiotics protect against infection rather than suppress inflammation. In corneal ulcers, antibiotics are the primary therapy, with steroids considered only later under careful supervision once infection is controlled to minimize scarring and other complications.