Steroid eye drops can help quell problems associated with eyeinflammationcaused byallergies, postsurgical issues, and other conditions.
These medications include prednisolone eye drops, steroids such as loteprednol, injections, and more.
Such steroids, as a rule, interrupt gene pathways that otherwise would lead to uncontrolled eye inflammation.
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All steroid eye drops, however, are not the same.
Each brand is a little different and may have its own appeal.
Uses
In general, fluocinolone is used to reduce retinal swelling.
Iluvien is prescribed for the treatment of diabeticmacular edema.
The Retisert implant is placed in the back of the eye where it locally releases fluocinolone over time.
It is used to treat inflammation associated with chronic noninfectiousuveitisinflammation in the middle tissue layer of the eye wall.
This implant is expected to last for approximately 30 months.
The Yutiq implant is also used for treating noninfectious uveitis at the back of the eye.
This implant is designed to last for up to 36 months.
There is also a possibility that an implant could move and cause a tear in eye tissues.
It is possible to temporarily have blurry vision after the implant is first placed.
You should not attempt to drive or operate any kind of machinery until your vision clears.
Fluocinolone can also have steroid-related effects.
Be sure to alert the healthcare provider if you have any allergies to any part of the medication.
Side Effects
Occasionally there can be side effects from fluocinolone ophthalmic implants.
Commonly, this is also used to treat:
The dosage varies slightly with each brand.
It may be given in cases where there are particular risks at play.
It comes as a suspension that needs to be shaken before use to equally distribute the active particles.
Dexamethasonedrops commonly go by the brand names AK-Dexand, Decadron, and Maxidex.
Therefore, it is used half as frequently as ophthalmic steroids like prednisolone drops.
However, this higher potency also comes with an increased risk of raising intraocular pressure.
Since this is an emulsion, it does not need to be shaken and will remain uniform throughout.
Difluprednate is a corticosteroid used to treat eye swelling and pain after eye surgery.
Your healthcare provider will decrease the dose gradually depending on your condition and how you respond to treatment.
With a steroid such as difluprednate, prolonged use can be problematic.
Prednisolone Ophthalmic
Prednisolone was the original ophthalmic steroid used to protect the eye from inflammation.
Branded drops tend to distribute more uniformly when shaken due to their smaller size.
Prednisolone does come in a uniform solution in a phosphate form.
However, this is not as powerful as the original suspension.
Sometimes it is used after eye surgery.
Dosage will vary depending on the product.
When taking prednisolone, its important to be carefully monitored before renewing the prescription.
If prednisolone is taken for more than 10 days, vision should be thoroughly tested and intraocular pressure checked.
People on prednisolone long-term tend to be prone to this jot down of infection.
In some cases, you may experience side effects while on prednisolone.
Summary
Steroid eye drops or injected implants can treat conditions that cause eye inflammation.
Your healthcare provider will choose the specific medication and formulation that best addresses your needs.
All ophthalmic steroids come with some risks for glaucoma or infection.
For this reason, they are generally used for as short of a period as possible and with monitoring.
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