![]() ![]() It is important to use them as instructed as they perform a vital role in switching off the body’s immune response and facilitating healing. Steroids are also used to control inflammation in the weeks following eye surgery such as a cataract procedure.In the case of dry eye sufferers, often a strong steroid eye drop is an effective way to kick-start successful treatment. Chronic inflammation occurs in many eye conditions including seasonal allergies and dry eye.Acute inflammation comes on quickly and includes serious conditions such as iritis (or uveitis) as well as less serious conditions such as conjunctivitis. Steroids are used to control eye inflammation.It is imperative that the pressure inside the eye is measured before beginning a treatment of topical steroids as they can significant increase the eye pressure in predisposed individuals and in turn can cause an eye condition called glaucoma.They include FML, Maxidex, FLAREX and Pred Forte. They come in different strengths from mild to very strong and, in Australia, can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner or a therapeutically trained optometrist.Steroid eye drops are very potent anti-inflammatories.These fall into two categories – steroids (also called corticosteroids) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs).They can sometimes do more harm than good, especially if overused or in prolonged use, as they can flush the essential oil layer out of your eye.Īnti-Inflammatories (Steroids and NSAIDs) It is important to understand that most dry eye drops do not treat the underlying cause of dry eye and bring relief of symptoms only. They act to hydrate and lubricate the surface of the eye to improve comfort. Many eye drops are available for the symptomatic relief of dry eye symptoms. Always use them according to your eye doctor’s instructions. ![]() While these drops are excellent at protecting the eye and fighting infection, they can be quite toxic to the delicate surface of your eye and cause irritation. They are also commonly used for a week or two after eye surgery, to protect against possible infection. These are particularly useful when a bacterial infection is suspected in the presence of contact lens wear. Other examples of antibiotic eye drops are Ciloxan and Ocuflox.Because the vast majority of eye irritations are not bacterial infections, Chlorsig does little to help these eyes and in some cases makes the irritation worse due to the preservatives. Unfortunately it is used excessively and indiscriminately.It is mainly marketed under the name of Chlorsig and recently was made available over the counter, without a prescription, as Chlorsig Eye Drops as well as an Chlorsig Ointment.In Australia the most common eye drop antibiotic is one that contains chloramphenicol. These are used if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed with laboratory testing.Wikipedia has a more technical explanation on its Eye Drop page. If you do not like a technical explanation read on. Anything that causes red eyes is inflammation. Inflammation – this can be caused by a whole host of different conditions.Infection – this includes bacterial, viral and fungal.As a general rule of thumb at The Eye Practice, we prefer to prescribe unpreserved eye drops, as preservatives can further irritate the eyes, which often defeats the purpose of using them.Ī trip to the pharmacy will reveal virtually an infinite number of options to choose from, and these are just the ones that are available over the counter! They can be either preserved or unpreserved. Eye drops can be very confusing, as there are around a dozen different categories.
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