From the Guidelines
You should not use regular hydrocortisone cream on the eyelids, instead, consider consulting an eye doctor for ophthalmic-formulated corticosteroids. When it comes to treating eyelid inflammation or irritation, it's crucial to use products that are specifically designed for safe use around the eyes. Regular hydrocortisone products are not formulated for this purpose and could cause irritation, vision problems, or potentially increase the risk of conditions like glaucoma or cataracts if they enter the eye 1. Some key points to consider when treating eyelid conditions include:
- The use of topical corticosteroids may be helpful for eyelid or ocular surface inflammation, but the minimal effective dose should be used, and long-term corticosteroid therapy should be avoided if possible 1.
- Site-specific corticosteroids such as loteprednol etabonate and corticosteroids with limited ocular penetration, such as fluorometholone phosphate, may be used to minimize adverse effects 1.
- Patients should be informed of the potential adverse effects of corticosteroid use, including the risk for developing increased intraocular pressure and cataract 1. It's essential to consult with an eye doctor who can prescribe specific ophthalmic-formulated corticosteroids that are designed for safe use around the eyes, such as fluorometholone 0.1% or loteprednol 0.5% eye drops or ointments 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
When using this product Avoid Contact with the eyes The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Use of Hydrocortisone on Eyelids
- The use of hydrocortisone on the eyelids has been associated with several complications, including skin atrophy and telangiectasia, as reported in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2.
- Long-term application of topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can lead to skin thinning and fragility, making the eyelids more susceptible to damage 3.
- However, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the application of topical corticosteroids to the eyelids and periorbital region, even over longer periods of time, was not related to the development of glaucoma or cataracts in patients with atopic dermatitis 4.
- Another study reported a case of atopic eyelid disease treated with topical tacrolimus after discontinuation of corticosteroids, which suggests that alternative treatments may be effective in managing eyelid inflammation without the risks associated with corticosteroid use 5.
- It is essential to exercise caution when using topical corticosteroids on the eyelids, as they can have ocular side-effects, including posterior subcapsular cataract, rise of intraocular pressure, and even glaucoma 6.