GLG News Analyses of the following article:

steroids in eye surgery

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Published at: www.siriontherapeutics.com

New Developments in Ocular Inflammation

June 24, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Recent developments in pharmaceuticals and technology now give us more choices for treating intraocular inflammation.  Newer developments in eyedrops now give us different "strengths" of steroid eyedrops.  New drug delivery systems will be giving us sustained release of steroids.

Vincent de LuiseAssistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology Yale University - CC

eye drop corticosteroids (topical steroids) for LASIK and cataract surgery and dry eye

June 23, 2009

    There are several potent cortisteroids (steroids) in the form of eye drops, which ophthalmologists use daily to manage postoperative healing after LASIK surgery cataract surgery, and intraolcular lens implant surgery.  In addition, some steroid drops can be used for short intervals of time in managaing dry eye disease. These include pred forte (Allergan), omnipred (Alcon), Maxidex (Alcon), Lotemax (Bausch and Lomb) and Durezol (Sirion).     These steroid drops have slghtly different biochemical structures and side effect profiles. In general,the more potent the steroid, the more likely it has a side effect of intraocular pressure rise (glaucoma risk) and cataract formation. Durezol, a newer topical steroid from Sirion Therapeutics, has excellent potency and slightly less of a side effects. Lotemax (Bausch and Lomb) has found a niche in the management of dry eye disease, being used for short intervals (a few weeks) in dry eye management, as other drops such as restasis get on board.