Post ERM surgery update, please help

Ok, I went in for a six-weeks follow up after the ERM peel.  Still seeing the same as I was a month ago.
My retina doctor says that I've still got some residual swelling and inflammation, and he'd like to treat with a steroid injection to make the swelling disappear.  Might only be a temporary effect, however.

Initially I agreed with this, and set up an appointment for next week, but I find myself with second thoughts, especially after I looked up the risk vs. benefits of a Kenalog injection.  I'm not eager to have the stuff in my system for 3 whole months.  I feel if inflammation is going to get better, I want it to happen naturally.

What will happen if I don't have injection?  Nothing bad.  And I HAVE gotten the expected visual benefit from the surgery, in any case.

What do you think?  I'm on unfamiliar territory, if I have to call the office and tell them to relay to the doctor that I've changed my mind.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I would treat with topical Durezol and Xibrom.  Two reason, first to see if it will reduce the swelling and also to see if you are a steroid responder-secondary glaucoma (Durezo).  If you are you DO NOT WANT a Kenalog injection.  If the drops fail you could consider Ozudex implant (not covered by insurance for this problem) but may help and it has less of a steroid response.

Dr. O.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I would treat with topical Durezol and Xibrom.  Two reason, first to see if it will reduce the swelling and also to see if you are a steroid responder-secondary glaucoma (Durezo).  If you are you DO NOT WANT a Kenalog injection.  If the drops fail you could consider Ozudex implant (not covered by insurance for this problem) but may help and it has less of a steroid response.

Dr. O.

[eyesonyou]

Thanks, Dr. O.!

[eyesonyou]

Well, my decision is made..  I won't get the injection.

I happened to be in a cataract surgeon's office this morning for a second opinion on the cataract in my right eye, and I asked his opinion about the injection.  He said he would leave things alone, unless my vision in that eye started to back off.

He is a D.O.  I have learned well that if you want a conservative assessment, ask a D.O.
I'm their biggest fan.  :-)