Use of Pred Forte after cataract surgery

My surgeon has prescribed 4 drops of Pred Forte per day for 6 weeks tapering off for 2 weeks following cataract surgery on both eyes.  I've read that PF actually delays healing in these cases.  I had to use Prednisone for months for an unrelated problem and suffered all the usual side affects - moon face, obese trunk, etc.  Do I really need to take Pred Forte for so long?  I'm also using Zymar (for ten days) and Xibrom (for 8 weeks) in each eye.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Yes, this is totally normal and done millions of times a year all over the world.  I have done it for every cataract surgery I have ever performed.  You want to keep the eye from getting inflamed after surgery.  If we didn't use proper anti-inflammatory drops, the success rate from surgery would be awful due to inflammatory complications.  Now, if you truly insist, some surgeons can taper off the steroids at 4 weeks instead of 8, while contiuing the Xibnrom, but my personal preference is the 8 week course unless there are side effects from the Pred FOrte such as a pressure rise (about 5% of the time or so.)

MJK MD

[Jules3226]

Thanks - you've put my mind at rest.
Jules

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Jules3226,

I would recommend that you follow your eyeMD’s instructions. When instilling the drop, if you occlude the outflow path for tears, less of the drop may be systemically absorbed. It is unusual for individuals on topical steroids to develop the “cushingoid” appearance you describe.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California