pc@hplabsb.UUCP (Patricia Collins) (05/25/84)
The use of prednisone is apparently indicated (in low dosages such as the 1/8 of 1% you mentioned) when the inflammation presents a high risk of eye damage. My friend was given prednisone for spinal arthritis (as an anti-inflammatory drug). The dosage was fairly high (although I don't know the dosage) and was taken orally, not as drops. The drug caused a thickening of the vitreous humor, making it impossible for normal fluid circulation. The pressure resulted in a partial retinal detachment. Laser treatments were used to attempt to put small holes in the iris to facilitate fluid circulation. Laser treatment for eyes is a little wierd because the eye naturally moves slightly. Precise placement of holes is difficult. After all of this, my friend had to have cornea surgery and now wears a contact lens. The lens enables the eye to contribute to depth perception, but with the "healthy eye" covered, the damaged eye cannot detect shapes or position, only the presence or absence of highly contrasted objects. I have recently been prescribed an eyedrop with prednisone which I used for a couple of days. (The prescription was not from my regular physician.) When I called my doctor, she said that she did not like to prescribe that powerful an eyedrop except in cases where "nothing else works." Incidentally, the eyedrops really didn't help. It seems that I have some kind of allergy that shows up as an eye inflammation and no anti-inflammatory medicine seems to make a significant difference. You know, there is a risk with all medication. It's probably good to be wary, and there is no reason why your physician can't take a few minutes on the phone to explain what the risks and benefits are for you in taking or not taking this medication. Good luck! (I am sorry if I made you unnecessarily concerned.) Patricia Collins hplabs