Steroids after Lasik

Why are steroid eye drops prescribed after LASIK surgery and what benefit do they achieve in the healing process? What can be the contra-indications of using steroids in the eyes post-surgery and how long should steroid use be continued?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Steroids are used all the time to regulate the healing process and reduce the incidence of soreness, sensitivity, and swelling and even scarring of the cornea.  It would be a much less pleasant experience with slower recovery without them in general.  THey of course have side effects of delayed healing, increased eye pressure and cataract formation and increased chance of infection if used without supervision and or for overlong periods of time.  Used properly they are very effective and safe overall.  I use them on hundreds of surgery patients every year.

[malog]

I was on steroids recently but had to discontinue after they caused  my eye pressure to rise. I think they are prescribed to control inflamation (inflammation)  ( swelling).