29 yr use of corticosteroids

[russ446]

I've (age 75) had 6 PK's -3 per eye.initially from lattice.The 'buttons last about 10 yrs; then edema, scarring, etc force a new PK.. I get red lids and sclera, and in 2010 started a chalasis. No rejections  in 12+ yrs. I use 1 rgp and glasses. Chalasis is starting to shrink.
     I'm  currently  11 mos OD post op and  14 mos  in OS. No vascularization. I envy other PK patients wh dont take any steroids. Wouldn't Alrex be a safe switch from my current Lotemax?

P.S. I'm mydriatic in OS (shingles) and may be the only person to hand paint an iris on my rgp for over 8 yrs with toxic -free Sharpie pen.No centering problems. Someone neeeds to tell the FDA to allow this since 1000's of people with no iris are sunlight-blind in that eye

[russ446]

Dr Vosoghi
I should have included; I have daily vision changes (as per Lote. side effects) of 1 diopter+ .Also I take betoptic for IOP incease which is certainly due to the Lotemax. Therefore switching  lote. to alrex wd possibly lower IOP,. reducing need for betoptic and reducing variable vision. what else could be done?
Not a problem for most who haven't been taking steroids for 29 yrs.(aren't hyper sensitive)  I might also add that a 74 yr old  has less chance for rejection since his older immune system is weakened.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Alrex would be a milder steroid but Lotemax is also relatively safe.  As long as you don't get significant pressrue elevation/ glaucoma, I would do what the cornea specialist recommends.

HV