Should I Use Furlong Eye Drops with My Eye Pressure Concerns?

Q: Should I Use Furlong Eye Drops with My Eye Pressure Concerns?

Hello： You are concerned that using Fluorometholone eye drops may lead to increased intraocular pressure, as it is known to have such side effects. <br>However, your ophthalmologist prescribed this medication based on your symptoms and clinical assessment, believing that it could

Should I use Furacilin eye drops?

Recently, I have been seeing rainbows around streetlights or brighter light sources, so I went to see a doctor.
My intraocular pressure was measured at 18 in both eyes.
The doctor diagnosed me with mild conjunctivitis and prescribed Patanol, Refresh, and Safrin eye drops.
However, I am concerned about the side effect of Refresh, which can increase intraocular pressure.
I am worried that using it might cause my pressure to spike.
Should I use it?

You, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/22

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: You are concerned that using Fluorometholone eye drops may lead to increased intraocular pressure, as it is known to have such side effects.
However, your ophthalmologist prescribed this medication based on your symptoms and clinical assessment, believing that it could be very effective in treating your conjunctivitis symptoms.
The ophthalmologist considers many factors, including the severity of symptoms, the benefits of the medication, and potential side effects.
While there is a risk that Fluorometholone may increase intraocular pressure, you should follow your physician's advice and use the medication as directed.
If you are worried about intraocular pressure, you can follow up with your ophthalmologist to monitor it.
Typically, short-term use rarely causes increased intraocular pressure.
Even if it does increase, stopping the medication will usually restore it to normal levels.

Reply Date: 2023/11/22

More Info

When considering the use of Furlong eye drops (Fluorometholone) in the context of your eye pressure concerns, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, especially since you have reported experiencing visual disturbances such as rainbow halos around lights. This symptom can be indicative of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or other ocular conditions, which warrants careful management.

Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid that is often prescribed to reduce inflammation in conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis or other forms of conjunctivitis. While it can be effective in alleviating symptoms, one of the known side effects of corticosteroids is the potential to increase intraocular pressure, particularly with prolonged use. This is particularly concerning for individuals who may already have elevated IOP or are at risk for glaucoma.

In your case, with a measured IOP of 18 mmHg, which is within the normal range (typically considered to be between 10 and 21 mmHg), the use of Fluorometholone may still be appropriate if your doctor believes that the benefits of reducing inflammation outweigh the risks of potential IOP elevation. However, it is crucial to monitor your eye pressure regularly while using this medication. If you notice any significant changes in your vision or if your eye pressure increases, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Given your concerns about the potential for increased eye pressure, it may be wise to discuss alternative treatment options with your eye care professional. There are other anti-inflammatory medications that may have a lower risk of affecting IOP, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops. Additionally, if your eye care provider believes that your symptoms are primarily due to allergic conjunctivitis, they may recommend antihistamine eye drops or other treatments that do not carry the same risk of increasing IOP.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the underlying cause of your symptoms. If you are experiencing visual disturbances like halos around lights, it is essential to rule out other conditions such as cataracts or early signs of glaucoma. A comprehensive eye examination, including visual field testing and optic nerve assessment, may be necessary to ensure that there are no underlying issues that require more immediate attention.

In summary, while Furlong eye drops can be beneficial for treating inflammation, their potential to increase intraocular pressure should not be taken lightly, especially in individuals with existing concerns about eye pressure. It is crucial to have an open dialogue with your eye care provider about your symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of monitoring your eye pressure during treatment. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation from a specialist in glaucoma may provide additional reassurance and guidance.

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