Steroid drops?? Why? - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

Cariabu · 01-11-2006, 09:05 AM

Yes another question. Do the steroid drops strengthen the eyes, is that the purpose? What is their purpose?? And how long did most people take them. I am suppose to take them until the end of Jan. and am now taking them 3 times a day, the Dr. varied the amout since the surgery, 3 times a day, then 4 times a day when contacts were out, then 2 times a day, and last week he lowered the dosage with a diff. brand but now 3 times a day. Does increasing the drops improve the strength of the eye?? Reading the package says taking them for too long can cause a fungus in the eye, but no problems... I'm assuming I am taking them a normal amount of time at this point. At the end of Jan. it will be about 7 weeks or more.

Thanks,
Cari

azebo · 01-11-2006, 01:24 PM

Cari, I forget did you have lasik or PRK? I had lasik and I used steroid drops for one week after my surgery, but then later I went back on them for several more weeks because my eyes were so dry and inflammed. The steriod drops help control and get rid of inflammation. They can raise your eye pressure if you are on them for too long so make sure that your doctor checks that every once in a while. Another thing that can help with inflammation is Restasis. It is a prescription drop that is supposed to get rid of inflammation and help you produce more tears. I'm on it now for my dry eyes. You might want to ask your doctor about it. I started using it about one month after my lasik surgery.

I hope that this helps. If you have any more questions please ask. It's normal to be scared and worried. Heck, I'm six months out of my surgery and I still have dry eyes and I still get stressed and worried about them. It does help to be informed!

Missy