Ophthalmic topical corticosteroids were first employed in the treatment of eye diseases in 1952. Six decades later, it remains one of the medications most frequently prescribed by ophthalmic care providers. This article provides an overview of the use of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of diverse ocular conditions, organized by anatomic locations that include the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, uvea, retina, orbit and extraocular muscles. Each condition is briefly defined and, where appropriate, treatment options alternative to topical corticosteroids are presented to the reader. Finally, common adverse effects of topical corticosteroid therapy are discussed.