Steroids are the common name for corticosteroid medications. They are used to treat edema and inflammation in the eyes and other regions of the body.
Anabolic steroids are not the same as corticosteroids. Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use anabolic steroids to gain muscle mass. Corticosteroids are found naturally in the body. Blood sugar, salt and water levels, metabolism, and growth are all aided by them. They also help in the management of allergic responses.
Corticosteroids, in greater doses, can aid in the treatment of eye injuries and disorders. Swelling, discomfort, and redness are reduced with the use of these tablets. Prednisone is the most common steroid pill prescribed by ophthalmologists for eye disorders.
Uveitis is a disorder that affects the eyes and causes inflammation. It usually occurs when the body’s immune system is malfunctioning. To treat uveitis, ophthalmologists administer steroid pills to suppress the immune system.
Steroid and Other Medications
Drugs and other drugs that interact with steroids can have negative consequences. If you are taking any other medications, tell your ophthalmologist. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines that may have an adverse drug interaction with steroids include:
● arthritis medicine
● diuretics (“water pills”)
● insulin or any oral diabetes medicine
● antibiotics
● anticoagulants (“blood thinners”)
● medicine containing aspirin
● ulcer medicine
● estrogen (such as birth control pills)
You must also tell your ophthalmologist anything about your medical history, especially if you had:
● HIV/AIDS
● diabetes
● high blood pressure
● tuberculosis
● seizures
● kidney, liver, intestinal, or heart disease
● thyroid gland problems
● osteoporosis
● stomach ulcers
● a current infection of any kind
● psychological problems
If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, let your ophthalmologist know. Steroids might affect the growth and development of your child.
How Should Steroid Tablets Be Taken?
Follow your ophthalmologist’s directions for taking steroid tablets, including how and when to take them. Make sure your primary care physician is aware that you will be taking steroids. The following are some crucial pointers to remember:
● To avoid stomach upset, take your tablets with a meal.
● Keep a close eye on your salt intake
● Maintain muscle strength by exercising regularly.
● Reduce your alcohol intake
● Unless your doctor says it is okay, do not get vaccinated or immunized.
Steroid Pill Side Effects
Steroid tablets are a type of “systemic” medicine, meaning they can influence your entire body rather than just one part of it. This can have a variety of negative consequences, including:
● High blood pressure
● Glaucoma
● Weight gain
● Mood or behavior swings
● Water retention that causes swelling
● Easily bruised skin
Long-term steroid use can cause:
● Weakened immune system
● Your bones will become thinner and weaker (osteoporosis)
● Diabetes or aggravate diabetes in people who already have it
● Cataracts
If you have any other adverse effects while taking steroid tablets, contact your doctor.
Do Not Abruptly Stop Taking the Medications
This could have serious consequences. It would be best if you gradually reduce your dosage when you stop using steroids. Minor side effects may still be noticeable, such as:
● diarrhea
● fever
● lack of appetite
● lightheadedness
● tiredness
● pain in joints
If you use steroid tablets for a condition not related to your eyes, you could develop serious eye problems. Glaucoma and cataracts are two of these conditions. If you encounter any issues while taking steroids, tell your doctor, including:
● problems with vision
● redness
● tearing
● pain in the eyes
