CATARACT

CORTICOSTEROID INDUCED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE ELEVATION AFTER EXTRACTION

Abstract

Objective: To observe the tendency of corticosteroids to raise the intraocular pressure after prolonged use of 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops during post operative period of cataract extraction. Study Design: Observational study. Period: From August 2008 to December 2009. Subjects and Setting: In the study 50 patients were included. These patients had age related cataract in one or both eyes. The IOP of every patient was measured preoperatively with the help of Goldman applanation tonometer. After cataract extraction, every patient received 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops four times a day for one month. The IOP was measured fortnightly. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad and the clinics of the authors. Results: Topical administration of 0.1% Dexamethasone Eye Drops ,four times a day for one month after age related cataract extraction caused elevation of intraocular pressure more than 21 mm Hg in 8% of general population.