[How to use glucocorticoids in ophthalmology].

Administration of glucocorticoid, one of the corticosteroid hormones, is one of the most important therapeutic strategy in ophthalmological treatment. Almost all kinds of glucocorticoid agents are commercially available for various ocular diseases, including cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, paramethasone, betamethasone and fluolometholone. Glucocorticoids are administrated in preparations of eye drops, ointments, injections and tablets for local and systemic use. Systemic glucocorticoid treatment should, in general, only be considered when local treatment with eye drops or with injections fail, when the disease is bilateral, or when systemic findings indicate the need. "Producing less severe side effects or complications, obtaining the most efficacy, with long duration" is the main principles in ophthalmological use of glucocorticoids. Steroid cataract (posterior subcapsular opacity) and steroid glaucoma (intraocular pressure elevation) are the two main ocular complications of glucocorticoid administration. Serial slitlamp examination and tonometry are essential to prevent them.