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Steroids and the Eyes
Maurice Mosseri, MD is a nationally recognized ophthalmologist
(eye doctor) with offices in New
York (Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn).
Steroids are very powerful and effective medicines used to threat a
variety of medical problems. Unfortunately, steroids can also have
significant side effects in the eye, ranging from cataract development to
glaucoma. All forms of steroids - pills, injections, inhaled
steroids or steroid drops - can lead to elevation of eye pressure, and
eventually glaucoma. Fortunately, glaucoma can be avoided with
proper detection and treatment.
Steroid Treatments
When topically administered medications like antihistamines and
vasoconstrictors fail to help alleviate conjunctivitis symptoms, your
doctor may prescribe topical steroids. Steroid eye drops can help control
chronic and acute cases of conjunctivitis but should only be used as
prescribed by your doctor. Steroids applied directly to the eye can cause
a sharp increase in ocular pressure that can result in significant eye
damage or glaucoma. Prolonged use of topical steroids in the eyes also can
lead to cataracts. Cataracts form when the lens inside of the eye
gradually becomes opaque, causing loss of vision.
Because steroids can promote the growth of certain viruses, your doctor will want
to rule out certain eye diseases as the cause of your eye problems before
prescribing topical steroids.
To
schedule an appointment, or if you have any surgical or nonsurgical
questions pertaining to your eyes, please feel free to contact Board
Certified Ophthalmologist, Maurice Mosseri, MD at any of his New York
offices or send an email to
info@drmosseri.com.
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