Intraocular Pressure Changes with the Use of Difl uprednate: An Observational Study

Introduction: Steroids are the mainstay in the treatment of ocular infl ammation and in post-surgical cases. While these agents effectively treat and prevents infl ammation, their use is also associated with risks, including ocular hypertension. A clinically signifi cant intraocular pressure (IOP) increase is defi ned as an observed value >21 mmHg and/or change from baseline ≥10 mmHg. It has been noted in a few studies that difl uprednate 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion has a likelihood of increasing the IOP. Purpose of the study: To study the time of onset magnitude of IOP rise and to study the response of the raised IOP to treatment using topical and oral antiglaucoma medication and withdrawal of difl uprednate, on IOP changes. Methodology: Total of 49 cases of post-operative cataract surgery and a case of allergic conjunctivitis treated with difl uprednate 0.05% 3 times a day on monitored at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. During such monitoring patients underwent visual acuity recording and complete ophthalmic examination including evaluation of IOP. Results: Out of 50 patients, the 4 of the patients from the post-operative group and a case of allergic conjunctivitis treated with difl uprednate showed marked increase in IOP, associated with corneal edema, rapid loss of vision and pain. Conclusion: The patients on treatment with difl uprednate can show marked raise in IOP which can be the cause for acute presentations of gross fall of vision and pain, this can be an ocular emergency.