Steroid

After long process of diagnose of my eyes my doctors has suggested me to take dose of Steroid.
Could you please tell me what are steroid side-effects? And is there any alternatives of steroid?

Regards
Sun

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Glaucoma, cataract, more prone to certain viral or fungal or bacterial infections.  Those are the basic side effects.  That being said, there are certainly situation where steroids drops are quite necesary and helpful.  Sometimes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops can be substituted with much less concern about side effects.  In the end the ophthalmologist needs to use what he feels in his clinical judgement is the proper treatment.  That's why we have to go to school for so long.  I only use steroids when I really need to - and when you really need them there is often no substitute.

MJK MD