What Are Steroid Eye Drops?

Ophthalmic is used to treat eye infection, swelling, allergies, problem after surgery, and other problems. These Steroid eye drops are very mild because the eye is a very sensitive part of the body. The most commonly recommended steroid is loteprednol and some injections.

Every steroid is different from one another as they have different combinations, their effect on the body and the side effects. Some steroids adjust with the body of the user easily and some cause allergies so every steroid is not suitable for every person. So here I will discuss the different steroids, their side effects and the precautions needed.

Steroid eye drops are a type of medication used in the treatment of dry eyes, such as Meibomian Gland dysfunction. Although they work primarily by decreasing the production of oils that cause eye dryness, they also reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Fluocinolone Ophthalmic:

This is an ophthalmic steroid which is available with different brand names and their functions also slightly differ like Illuvien, Retisert, Yutiq. It is a UK based steroid and is an injectable steroid which is given to the person to get an instant response and to heal their allergy immediately.

Uses of Steroid Eye Drops:

Steroid eye drops are used to treat a variety of medical conditions like short-sightedness, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. Use eye drops to treat dry eyes, to relief from eye irritations, a weak cornea, inflammation, and allergies by using steroid eye drops. To treat Dry eyes, Steroid eye drops are used to lubricate eyes and eyelids as well. Steroid eye drops can also relieve eye irritation, inflammation, and allergies.

1. Ophthalmic steroid used to treat eye swellings or infections.
2. Treat macular edema which is caused by diabetes.
3. It is an injectable steroid which is injected into the eye of a patient through a needle and it stays inside the body for almost thirty-six weeks.
4. It is also used to treat chronic infections in the eye.

Precautions:

Before using this steroid, you must be aware of its consequences like:

•   You should take medicine at a steady rate without any gap.
•   There is a possible chance of increased or decreased intraocular pressure.
•   It can cause retinal detachment.
•   There is a possible chance that the implant can move and cause a tear in the eye of a person.
•   You can face an issue of blurry vision after the implantation.

Side Effects of Steroid Eye Drops:

Every steroid has some side effects so these injectable steroids also have some effects which are reported by the users, they are:

•   Allergies which can lead to breathing difficulties.
•   Tightness in the throat and chest
•   Swelling
•   Redness in the eye
•   Irritation in the eye
•   Sensitive to the eyes
•   Urination problem
•   Dry
•   Joint pains
•   Dryness in eyes
•   Vomiting
•   Nausea
•   Pain in the body parts

Loteprednol Ophthalmic:

Loteprednol Ophthalmic is considered as the safer and milder steroid for the eyes as it has an active ingredient which deactivates as it gets absorbed in the body. It is commonly used in ophthalmology as a topical agent in the treatment of conjunctivitis (pink eye) and photophobia. This product was developed in Europe and is used worldwide as a topical puffer, eye wash or solution.

It is available in the market with other brand names like Eysuvis, Inveltys, Alrex, Lotemax and Lotemax SM.

Uses Of This Steroid:

This steroid is used to treat inflammation due to surgery or any infection.

Some common uses of this steroid are:

•   It is used to treat eye irritations
•   Treat seasonal allergies
•   Treat dryness in the eye

Precautions:

Loteprednol is considered as one of the safest eyes drops which can benefit you in many situations but you should remember that is an ophthalmic steroid

•   If you use it for a long time, it can cause glaucoma.
•   It lead to posterior subcapsular cataract.
•   May cause delayed healing
•   It is a steroid which can decrease immune problems.
•   If it is used for a long term, it can cause fungal infection in the cornea.

Side Effects Of This Steroid:

Following are the side effects of using this steroid so be aware of it before using it:

•   Headache
•   Burning in the eyes
•   Itching
•   Blurry image
•   Sensitive to light
•   Sore throat
•   Eye dryness
•   Runny nose

Dexamethasone:

Dexamethasone is much safer that ophthalmic steroid due to it suspension but remember that you must shake before using it due the particles that settle down at the bottom of the eye drop bottle. It is an anti-inflammatory steroid that reduces swelling and fever. It is administered by injection, inhalation, or eye use.

Dexamethasone is available in the market with different brand names like AK-Dex, Decadron, and Maxidex.

Uses Of These Eye Drops:

Dexamethasone is used to treat different eye problems like inflammation, swellings, burning and itching. Some other uses are:

• It is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis
• Used to treat soreness of colored iris
• It is used to treat ocular rosacea

Precautionary Measures:

While using this eye drop you must be aware of the precautionary measures that you should adopt like:

• Use this steroid for a short time because long time use can cause fungal infection.
• Prolong use can cause glaucoma, cataracts or other infections.

Side Effects:

Following are some of the side effects observed in the patients who were using it:

•   Swelling in the eye
•   Eye becomes sensitive to light
•   Tearing in the eye
•   Itching
•   Vision gets blurry
•   Pain
•   Redness of the eye
•   Hardness around the eyelids

Where Can I Buy This Steroid Eye Drop:

You can buy these steroids in the UK from a pharmacy or an online store which can provide medicines at your door step without any hustle and bustle. They also provide some offers and some steroids are on sale too so you can save you money as well. But always keep in mind that you cannot get the medicine without the prescription of your doctor because steroids have some worse effects, which can cause blindness. If it is not used according to the guideline of your doctor you may face consequences.