the Use of Eye Drops for Iritis Treatment and Recovery

Q: the Use of Eye Drops for Iritis Treatment and Recovery

Hello Joo： The doctor has not prescribed any steroids, mydriatics, or ointments, which likely indicates that the condition has improved. <br>The use of topical steroids should not pose any issues upon discontinuation. <br>The anti-inflammatory eye drops for cataracts are a type o

Regarding the use of eye drops for iritis?

Hello, Doctor.
I apologize for the lengthy message.
Last weekend, I experienced an acute iritis in my right eye and sought immediate medical attention.
The doctor prescribed me a bottle of steroid eye drops (to be applied every two hours in the right eye), a bottle of mydriatic drops (to be applied three times a day in the right eye), and a tube of steroid ointment (to be applied once before bed in the right eye).
After using these medications for a week, I was unable to follow up with my original doctor due to scheduling conflicts and consulted another physician instead.

The new doctor examined me and mentioned that my inflammation had not fully resolved (my eye is still slightly red, and I occasionally experience mild discomfort, although the symptoms have significantly improved compared to when they first started).
The doctor prescribed me another eye drop (to be applied four times a day in both eyes), which is indicated for "post-operative inflammation following cataract surgery." Upon application, I felt a stinging sensation that subsided shortly after.
I would like to ask if the new doctor not prescribing steroids, mydriatics, or ointment indicates that my condition has improved after a week and that I no longer need those medications.
Can I just use the new cataract anti-inflammatory drops? Since I was using steroid medications intensively for a week, is there a risk in stopping them abruptly? Additionally, is it safe to use cataract anti-inflammatory drops for iritis?
I noticed that the doctor also instructed me to apply medication to my left eye, even though the iritis only affected my right eye.
Is this a precautionary measure? The new cataract medication I received is "Winston-Mo Pain Inflammation (Diclofenac Sodium)." Does this medication contain steroids?
Lastly, I would like to know if studying or using a computer could affect my iritis condition.
I need to read and work on the computer (but I do take breaks).
Is it normal for my vision to become blurry during the iritis episode? Will my vision return to normal after the inflammation heals? I was a bit confused when I received the medication and didn’t think to ask the doctor for clarification, and I didn’t have time to return for further questions, so I am reaching out to you.
Thank you very much for your assistance!

Joo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/01

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Joo: The doctor has not prescribed any steroids, mydriatics, or ointments, which likely indicates that the condition has improved.
The use of topical steroids should not pose any issues upon discontinuation.
The anti-inflammatory eye drops for cataracts are a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye medication, but they are not exclusively for cataracts.
Generally, if iritis is treated correctly, the prognosis is very good; during flare-ups, vision may be blurred, but after relief, there should be minimal impact on vision.
However, it is important to note that recurrences can occur, and the eyes do need appropriate rest.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2016/04/01

More Info

When dealing with iritis, or inflammation of the iris, it is crucial to follow a comprehensive treatment plan as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. From your description, it seems you have been prescribed a regimen that includes a steroid suspension, a dilating agent, and a steroid ointment. After a week of treatment, your symptoms have improved, but you still experience mild redness and occasional discomfort.

The new physician's decision to prescribe a different eye drop that is indicated for inflammation post-cataract surgery suggests that they believe your condition has stabilized to some extent. This could mean that the inflammation is under control, and the need for the more aggressive treatments (steroids and dilating drops) may no longer be necessary. However, it is essential to clarify this with your doctor, as they have the best understanding of your specific case.

Regarding the abrupt cessation of steroid use, it is generally advisable not to stop steroids suddenly after prolonged use, as this can lead to a rebound effect where inflammation may flare up again. The tapering of steroids is often recommended to allow your body to adjust. If your new doctor has not prescribed steroids, it may indicate that they believe your inflammation is manageable without them, but again, this is a point to discuss further with your healthcare provider.

As for the new medication, "Winston-Motrin" (presumably a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), it is typically safe to use in conjunction with other treatments for iritis, but you should confirm this with your doctor. It is not a steroid, so it should not have the same side effects or concerns associated with steroid use.

Regarding your concerns about reading and using the computer, it is common for individuals with iritis to experience blurred vision and discomfort, especially when focusing on screens or reading materials. It is essential to take regular breaks and practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

Finally, it is normal for vision to fluctuate during an episode of iritis. As the inflammation resolves, your vision should improve. However, if you notice persistent blurriness or any changes in your vision, it is crucial to report these to your doctor.

In summary, while your treatment plan may have changed, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any concerns you have regarding your medications. Always consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment regimen, especially with conditions like iritis, where proper management is critical to prevent complications.

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