Are steroid eye drops necessary after PRK?

Question

I am planning on getting PRK done soon but want to know how necessary steroid eye drops are? I've heard from an ophthalmologist specializing in cataracts in my area that they increase a person's chances of developing cataracts earlier in life. Is it possible to avoid or minimize the use of steroid drops in my eyes after PRK?

Gregory H. Scimeca, MD · Answer

Steroid drops are absolutely necessary after PRK since haziness of the corneal stroma and regression back to the original prescription can result without steroid drop use. If you are concerned, ask your eye doctor to prescribe a well known brand that does not get as well absorbed into the center of the eye.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

I have been doing PRK for 21 years. 
Steroid use as directed by our surgeon is absolutely critical to the success of the surgery. 
Stopping the drop too soon can lead to unwanted remaining prescription ( loss of treatment effect) and even worse, scarring. 
The steroid is usually used on a decreasing dose ( 4x a day for a month, then 3 x a for a month, and so on). It’s highly unlikely that you would get cataract faster for that little time of use.
The beauty of steroid drop use is that he doctor can adjust the dosing early on to tweak the prescription. That won’t be possible later on. 
Don’t even think about not using the steroid as directed. Disaster can ensue.

Are steroid eye drops necessary after PRK?

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