Our Summary

The hormone ACTH, which is known to help produce steroids and reduce inflammation, has been recently discovered to also have the ability to combat inflammation through other methods. This could potentially be useful in treating inflammatory conditions that don’t respond to steroids. This paper looks at the use of ACTH in treating eye diseases. However, a lot of the information on this topic is old and not reported very clearly, making it hard to understand the outcomes. Despite this, two key points can be seen: ACTH can help to reduce or get rid of eye inflammation, even in difficult cases where other treatments have failed; and the side effects of ACTH are rare and tend to occur with high doses. This suggests that ACTH might be a safe and effective treatment for stubborn eye inflammation. However, we need more current and carefully conducted studies to truly understand how safe and effective this treatment is.

FAQs

  1. What is the hormone ACTH and what does it do?
  2. Can ACTH be used to treat stubborn eye inflammation?
  3. What are the side effects of ACTH and how common are they?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, wearing protective eyewear as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes from their surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended ocular surgery include those with:

  1. Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night.

  2. Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

  3. Retinal detachment: When the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, causing vision loss.

  4. Macular degeneration: Degeneration of the central part of the retina, leading to loss of central vision.

  5. Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes, which can lead to vision loss.

  6. Corneal diseases: Conditions affecting the clear outer layer of the eye, such as keratoconus or corneal scarring.

  7. Ptosis: Drooping of the upper eyelid, which can obstruct vision.

  8. Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes, which can cause double vision and depth perception issues.

These are just a few examples of conditions that may warrant ocular surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific eye condition.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. They may undergo a thorough eye examination and imaging tests to determine the type and severity of their eye condition. The patient will then consult with an ophthalmologist who will discuss the surgical procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative care instructions.

After ocular surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, dryness, and blurry vision in the days following the procedure. They will need to follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions for taking any prescribed medications, using eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments. Over time, the patient’s vision should improve as the eye heals, and they may need to make lifestyle adjustments to protect their eyes from further damage. Regular eye exams will be necessary to monitor the healing process and assess the long-term success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific eye condition are you recommending surgery for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this particular surgery for my condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like and how long does it typically take?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  6. How many times have you performed this particular surgery and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need to follow up with you or another specialist after the surgery?
  8. What can I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up appointments?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  10. What are the potential long-term effects or outcomes of this surgery for my eye condition?

Reference

Authors: Crane AB, Sharon Y, Chu DS. Journal: J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Nov;36(9):661-667. doi: 10.1089/jop.2020.0039. Epub 2020 Aug 6. PMID: 32762596