Inflammation is a frequent and significant part of many eye diseases. The role of inflammation may be relatively mild (as in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis) to severe (as in total eye inflammation with secondary glaucoma). A wide variety of corticosteroid (cortisone-type) preparations are available to treat eye diseases in humans and our pets. Their general mechanisms of action are a suppression of inflammation and vascularization, a decrease in pigmentation and a reduction of swelling. Although the benefits are dramatic and sight saving in many cases, side effects are known to occur. These side effects include: corneal thinning (with extremely long term use), slow healing of corneal injuries and a lowered resistance to infections of the eye. In rare cases, internal side effects have been reported. If your pet has been placed on topical corticosteroid medication in an effort to control inflammation of the eye or surrounding tissues, your veterinarian has determined this is best to help the eye. The strength of the preparation prescribed has been selected for the circumstances noticed at the time of examination. If the eye appears to be getting worse, it is important to notify your pet¹s ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Use of corticosteroid medication under the wrong conditions or at the wrong time can lead to irreversible eye damage or blindness! Do not use these medications unless prescribed by us.
Have any questions on this subject? Contact
Dennis Hacker via E-mail:
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