Steroid Cream on Eyelids

Hello,

I am a 25 year-old male.  I had an outbreak of eczema on my eyelids and the skin immediately surrounding both of my eyes.  I tried using moisturizers to control this but they only helped a little.  I went to my primary-care physician and she prescribed me steroid (triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%) cream and ointment (the cream was to be used once a day in the mornings, and the ointment was to be used once a day in the evenings).  She instructed me to use the cream/ointment very sparingly, avoid getting or rubbing it into my eyes, and to only use for 14 days.  After 14 days I am supposed to switch to an emollient.  I am about a week into the treatment and the eczema is clearing up nicely.  I was very careful not to get the cream or ointment into my eyes.

I did some Internet research on the cream and I read that using steroid creams on your eyelids and the skin around the eyes can cause ocular hypertension and glaucoma.  Is it safe to use this cream around my eyes?  If my eye pressure goes up, will it go back down once I stop using the cream?

Thank you very much.

[des900]

Steroids does create side effects to eyes of steroid sensitive persons. it include cataract, glaucoma, ocular infections, dry eyes etc.

If steroid is mandatory for treating your condition then use an ophthalmic steroid ointments which is far pure & sterilized than that used for skin conditions, also don't use it more than 10 - 14 days.

I suggest you to see a good ophthalmologist preferably one who specialized on external eye diseases.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You should use a ocular steroid cream around your eyes.  Also, this should be followed by an ophthalmologist.

Dr. O.