If you have dim vision as a result of cataracts, then your eye doctor may recommend that you have the cataracts removed. Cataracts refer to the cloudiness of the lenses of your eyes. Your eye surgeon can remove your lenses and replace them with clear plastic implants. To help speed healing after your surgery, you may receive sustained-release cataract surgery steroids postoperatively. Here are some benefits of using steroids after ophthalmic surgery.
Decreased Inflammation
While cataract surgery is not considered an excessively invasive surgery, you may experience intraocular swelling. Single-dose cataract surgery steroids can help dampen inflammation while lowering the risk of infection.
FDA approved cataract surgery steroids may also help reduce your risk for a vision-robbing condition known as macular edema, otherwise known as inflammation of the macula. Your eye doctor may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to be taken with your FDA approved cataract surgery steroid prescription.
Steroids are typically well-tolerated after cataract surgery, however, if you experience increased eye redness, excessive tearing, itching, or irritation, call your eye doctor. These symptoms may be the result of a mild allergic reaction or they may be related to your surgery.
Pain Relief
Sustained-release cataract surgery steroids may also help relieve eye discomfort after your cataract surgery. While cataract removal with intraocular lens implant surgery is typically not painful, some patients experience mild soreness immediately following the procedure. Steroids help relieve residual discomfort and speed healing, and they may also help decrease postoperative blurred vision.
In addition to your steroid medication, your eye doctor may also prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment, as well as eye drops to help lower your intraocular eye pressure. It is important that you finish all of the prescriptions that your eye doctor has given you because failure to do so may result in increased risk for infection, poor wound healing, increased intraocular pressure, and pain.
The day following your surgery, you will see your ophthalmologist for a follow-up visit. Your doctor will then remove the metal shield that has been placed over your eye to protect it from injury after your surgery. Your visual acuity will also be checked and you will get a complete eye examination to evaluate the effects of your postoperative medications that have been prescribed.
If you have questions about how using cataract surgery steroids can help you recover faster after your eye surgery, call your physician. They will address all of your questions pertaining to dosage, route of administration, and costs covered by your medical insurance.
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