Hydrocortisone eye ointment is a medicinal product used to treat a variety of eye diseases that are inflammatory. But this ointment has not only a strong anti-inflammatory effect, but also has anti-allergic properties.
Indications for use Hydrocortisone ointment
The active ingredient Hydrocortisone ointment for the eyes is hydrocortisone. It is it that reduces the movement of lymphocytes and leukocytes into the inflammatory zone and significantly reduces inflammatory cell infiltrates. In addition, this substance:
- stabilizes cellular or subcellular membranes;
- inhibits the release of cytokines from lymphocytes;
- reduces the connection of immunoglobulins with receptors.
Due to this, the use of Hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment is effective in the treatment of allergic eye diseases such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, eyelid dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis. Also, this drug will help to cope with inflammatory diseases of the eye, affecting the anterior section, if there are no violations of the integrity of the epithelium of the cornea. Use this drug and with thermal or chemical burns, but only when the defects of the cornea completely heal.
Indications for the use of hydrocortisone ointment is also:
- iritis - inflammation of the iris;
- iridocyclitis - inflammation of the iris of the ciliary body;
- keratitis - inflammation of the cornea;
- uveitis - inflammation of the choroid.
Method of application Hydrocortisone ointment
Hydrocortisone ointment for eyes is produced in tubes with a capacity of 3 and 5 g. It is laid in the lower eyelid in a small amount (about 1 cm) up to 5 times a day. Most often, the course of treatment with this drug is 7-14 days, but on the recommendation of an oculist, it can be prolonged. An overdose of this ointment is very rare, but with its use, there may be side effects. Thus, the patient may experience allergic reactions, injections of sclera, burning or short-term vagueness of vision. If hydrocortisone ointment (1%) was used for more than 10 days, then a sharp increase in intraocular pressure may be observed followed by a violation of the visual fields. That is why doctors recommend that if the product is used for a long time, the intraocular pressure should be measured daily. Also, the use of Hydrocortisone eye ointment can cause the formation of subcapsular cataracts and fungal corneal damage.
During treatment, all patients need to give up contact lenses and, if you want to use eye drops at the same time as ointment, the time interval between their applications should be at least 15 minutes.
Contraindications to the use of Hydrocortisone ointment
According to the instructions on the use of Hydrocortisone eye ointment, it should not be used when:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- glaucoma ;
- purulent, tuberculosis, viral or fungal diseases of the eyes;
- violation of the integrity of the shells of the eye;
- trachoma.
In addition, hydrocortisone ointment should not be treated with those who have not reached the age of 18. Studies of the efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone during pregnancy and lactation have not been carried out, and therefore there is no evidence of harm to the fetus and the penetration of the ointment into breast milk. But the risk is not ruled out, therefore this medicine can be used only after the appointment of the attending physician.
With caution Hydrocortisone ointment should be used for patients who undergo treatment with cardiac glycosides and amphotericin B.