Tobradex and Glaucoma fear

[eyeproblemnj]

Back in July of 2012 I was prescribed Tobradex for an eye injury.

I have had several eye injuries since then, in total I've been prescribed Tobradex 6 times. Use was for 3-4 days each time and dose lowered over the course of 2-3 days before discontinuing use. In two cases I was also prescribed Pred-Forte which was used for 3 days and slowly lowered before miscounting use.

Each time was 6-8 months apart.

My fear is Glaucoma, I was never told Tobradex or Pred-Forte could cause Glaucoma by the emergency room doctor(s) or two of the optometrists I visited.

I'm a 22 year old male and my vision seems to remain the same with no major changes. I have also worn reading glasses.

During my treatment(s) I never had my pressure checked by the emergency room doctors but did when I visited the two optometrists about two years ago but the last couple of times I was prescribed Tobradex was by emergency room doctors and my pressure wasn't checked. I haven't seen an optometrist since (I know, I need a check up after two years) but I'm deathly afraid of Glaucoma and being diagnosed with it and as a consequence loosing my drivers license, etc. leaving me unemployed.

Would having been prescribed Tobradex 6 times (and Pred-Forte twice) within a 4 or so year period have likely put me at risk?

[Bella0110]

I have been getting eyelash extensions for about 6 months.  After the 3rd time....about 36-48 hours after the procedure , my lower right lid was swollen, very itchy and red.  My doctor RX Tobradex and it went away.  The next month, both my upper lids had the same reaction.  My lash tech. has tried sensitive glue, medical grade tape, gel pads.....no gel pads etc.  However, after many attempts to identify the problem, I have the same reaction, no matter what products are used.  The only way I am able to control it....is to start Tobradex the day of the procedure and use it.....2 drops a day for 2 days after the procedure.  Is it ok to use Tobradex, once a month, for 3 days at  a time?  Any thoughts on what could be causing my reaction?   Thank you!

[JohnHaganMD]

You're chances are zero.  Steroid glaucoma occurs only in "steroid reactors" which is about 6% of the population. It generally occurs only in people that remain on steroid drops for 4-8 weeks are more. In almost all cases in those people where it develops it goes away if the steroids eye drops are stopped.

What you should worry about is "traumatic glaucoma" which can develop after an injury(s) to the eye. You should be having a yearly eye examination. Every community has some resource for medical care of the uninsured/indigent usually a clinic at a medical school or public supported clinic.

It is not the standard of care for a ER doctor to check your eye pressure before prescribing steroid eye drops.

JCH MD