Steroids and the Eye

Steroids are medications that may be used to treat inflammatory conditions, minimize scarring, and may also be used before or after surgery.

An eye doctor may prescribe steroid drops or steroid ointment for use in the eye. An ophthalmologist may place steroid injections around or into the eye to treat certain eye conditions. In order to decide whether steroids should be used, a complete eye exam should be performed. In most cases, steroids are used for limited periods of time.

What are the risks of using steroids?

Side effects of steroids include increased eye (intraocular) pressure, cataract formation, suppressed immune response and delayed healing. Steroids have also been associated with a disease called central serious chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

If you are using a steroid on or around the eye, your physician should watch for any side effects from the drug.