Steroid injection

[russell903]

Dr. Hagan

I have macular edema in one eye.  That eye has not responded well to non=steroid eye drops, and the vision remains blurry and distorted.  The retina specialist injected a steroid into the sclera last week.  He said there are no dangers of blindness, and in a few days the effects should be realized.  I am always worried about steroids in the eyes.  Is this steroid injection a safe practice for my conditon?  I already have glaucoma in that eye and have had filtration surgery, so my IOP is 9 in that eye.  what kind of complications might I look for, and how long does this injection typically take before any reaction is noticed?  Russell903

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

An infection in the eye is usally dramatic and is not hard to diagnoses as I said earlier. THe IOP test only tells whether the steroid might be raising your pressure. See your surgeon soon.

JCH MD

[russell903]

One more question-if it is indeed infected, how can the eye be treated?   Antibiotics, oral or injections?  Or?  Russell903

[russell903]

Will an IOP test give any indication of safety that there is no infection or complication?  What other tests are necessary to excuse infection of the eye?  I want to call back the retina specialist and get this understood as I am having lots of blurriness since the injection-likened to vitreous separations.  Is that type of blurring a symptom of infection?  I would like to seek a second opinion but am not equipped to ask the right questions or have the right preparation to do so.  Thanks in advance for any guidance.  Russell903

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes you are at risk for increased pressure. Infection is a disaster. Pain, redness, no vision, more pain.

JCH MD

[russell903]

It was injected into the eye.  I already have filtration in that eye.  Am I still at risk for pressure increases, even with the filtration?  And how will I know if I have an infection in the eye?  Are there symptoms?  Russell903

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It depends on whether its injected into the eye or outside the eye. Risks include infection, bleeding, damage to eye from needle but biggest risk is sustained high pressure that could require more glaucoma drops or even glaucoma filtering surgery.
The problems could develop from the time of the injections to within a week.
JCH MD