Durezol Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Durezol (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) is a powerful steroid eye drop, and like all corticosteroids, it can cause side effects. Most patients experience mild, manageable effects during their treatment course, but it's important to know what to watch for and when a side effect warrants urgent attention.

This guide covers the common and serious side effects of Durezol, explains when they're expected and when they require action, and provides guidance on safe use.

Common Side Effects of Durezol (5–10% of Patients)

In clinical trials, the following side effects occurred in 5–10% of patients using Durezol:

Blurred vision: Temporary blurring immediately after instillation is common and usually resolves within a few minutes. Persistent blurred vision should be reported to your doctor.

Eye irritation: Mild stinging, burning, or discomfort after putting in the drops. This usually decreases as your eye adjusts.

Eye pain: Mild discomfort around the eye. Severe or sudden eye pain should be reported immediately.

Headache: Reported in some patients, possibly related to eye pressure changes.

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP): One of the more clinically significant common side effects. Your eye doctor will monitor your IOP if you use Durezol for 10 days or longer.

Limbal and conjunctival hyperemia: Redness at the rim of the cornea (limbus) or the white part of the eye. Some redness is normal after surgery or during uveitis treatment.

Punctate keratitis: Small dot-like irritations on the corneal surface. Usually mild and resolves without stopping treatment.

Less Common Side Effects (2–5% of Patients)

The following side effects were reported in 2–5% of Durezol users in clinical trials:

Anterior chamber flare (a protein-laden haze in the front chamber of the eye)

Corneal edema (swelling of the cornea)

Dry eye

Iridocyclitis (inflammation of the iris and ciliary body)

Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

Reduced visual acuity

Serious Side Effects to Watch For

While less common, the following serious side effects require prompt medical attention:

Glaucoma: Prolonged use of Durezol can raise intraocular pressure and may lead to glaucoma, including damage to the optic nerve and permanent vision loss. If you use Durezol for more than 10 days, your eye doctor should check your IOP regularly. Symptoms of elevated IOP include eye pain, headache behind the eyes, seeing halos around lights, or tunnel vision.

Posterior subcapsular cataract: Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops can cause a specific type of cataract (cloudiness in the lens). This is more of a risk with extended use; short post-surgical courses at standard doses carry lower risk.

Eye infections: Steroids suppress immune response and can mask signs of infection or allow existing infections to worsen. Fungal eye infections are particularly concerning with prolonged steroid use. Report any new discharge, crusting, unusual swelling, or worsening symptoms immediately.

Delayed wound healing: Steroids can slow healing after surgery. Your doctor monitors for signs of poor healing and bleb formation after cataract surgery.

Corneal or scleral melting: In patients with conditions that thin the cornea or sclera, corticosteroids have rarely been associated with corneal or scleral perforation. Report sudden worsening of eye pain or significant vision changes.

When to Call Your Doctor Immediately

Contact your ophthalmologist right away if you experience:

Sudden vision changes or significant worsening of vision

Severe eye pain or new pain behind the eyes

Seeing halos around lights or tunnel vision (signs of elevated IOP/glaucoma)

New eye discharge, crusting, or swelling (signs of infection)

Symptoms not improving after 2 days of treatment

Symptoms getting worse while on treatment

Important Safety Tips for Using Durezol

Remove contact lenses before instillation; reinsert 10 minutes later

Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye

Do not stop using Durezol suddenly — always taper as directed by your doctor

If using multiple eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each drop

For information about drug interactions, see our guide on Durezol drug interactions: what to avoid and what to tell your doctor.