Antibiotic eye drops- dosage and side effects

[charles555]

After a trab, I was given boxes of antibiotic eye drops called Dexafree. I was diligently taking them but after five days or so, the discomfort and inflammation is gone. Still a blurred vision, which is a concern...

Am I supposed to take them until doctors say otherwise? Since this is a steroid eye drop, I am concerned about side effects. It is related to Cataracts and raising of IOP other risks, if I am correct. I think doctors said there should be no side effects but I don't want to take lots and lots of antibiotic/steroid if they are not necessary

[AlfredV]

Dexafree are preservative free steroids to control inflammation and scaring. The antibiotic drops are likely chloramphenicol to reduce the risk of infection.

The reduction in pain and inflammation is likely down to the dexafree but I suspect they will keep you on them for several weeks and then slowly taper them down. It is important not to suddenly stop dexafree as they can have an undesired rebound effect. Scaring is the enemy of a successful trab.

Unfortunately they do raise the risk of a cataract, but then the trab surgery will also do this. It is true they can also raise IOP, however, now you have a trab, the IOP effects of the steroid will likely be minimal. For me (an acute steroid responder), the effects of steroids on my trab eyes seems to be about 1-2 points only.

[charles555 in reply to AlfredV]

Thanks. Yes I was also given chloramphenicol. So this is the antibiotic and Dexa is steroid? Doctor told me Dexa is more important than chloramphenicol. I just find out chloramphenicol is an eye drop you can buy over the counter. So this is not the one healing my eye? Anyway, after reading your reply, I think I shall keep having the dexa a few weeks more..

[AlfredV in reply to charles555]

Yes. Don't be reducing the dexafree without the doc's say so. It sounds like things are going well, so fingers crossed for a good outcome.

[Hidden]

Charles definitely keep taking the drops you were given after your trab or you risk an unsuccessful outcome. I've had 2 trabs, the last one 5 months ago and I took both antibiotic and steroid drops for 4 weeks. Your consultant will tell you when you should stop taking them as we are all different. After my second trab my vision was blurred for quite a few weeks which is pretty normal.

Good Luck .

[Hidden]

Dexafree eye drops are not antibiotic...only steroid. They are necessary to prevent scar tissue forming where you had the trab and consequent closure and failure of the op. I've been taking mine for 6 weeks...gradually reducing. You should have been given a schedule telling you how and when to use them and how long for, but in any event I would think that you have a follow up appointment pretty soon.

They do cause a rise in IOP in some people...(happened to me).... so i also have pilocarpine to counteract that effect.

[balacakkhu]

Please continue the eye drops - Dexa (steroid) and Chloramphenicol (antibiotic) according to the instructions.. There may be some discomfort in a few days but it will be settling down. Post operation management is very important - to keep balance right - to control the pressure, prevent scarring, draining proper, precent infection etc etc. You will be closely follow up by your consultant. With best wishes.

[Stairs10]

Definitely definitely keep using the drops as prescribed. There clinic is presumably planning to see you quite frequently post surgery. This will check for any problems. Let the ophthalmologist make the decisions about stopping or reducing medication.

Good luck with it all.

[Quiet_Lin]

Hiya. After my surgery, I was given definite instructions for how long I should use each drug. And then I was given a schedule for weaning me off them. As you haven't been given this information, I would suggest ringing up to ask. They also gave me a telephone number in case I did have questions. Best of luck.