Randomized prospective study of the influence of steroids on postoperative eye-opening after exploration of the orbital floor

Abstract Objective : To find out if giving steroids reduces postoperative swelling in orbital surgery. Design : Prospective, randomized, double blind trial. Setting : Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK. Subjects and interventions : 20 patients who require orbital floor exploration after injuries. Patients were given methylprednisolone 250 mg (or placebo identically packaged) at induction of anaesthesia, with a further three doses at 6-hourly intervals postoperatively. Main outcome measure : Differences in interpalpebral width before and after operation. Results : Those given steroids ( n =11) had a significantly increased interpalpebral width compared with placebo ( n =9) postoperatively ( P Conclusion : Short courses of steroids therapy should be considered in orbital surgery for appropriate patients. There is an advantage in being able to assess the globe postoperatively.