USES AND ABUSES OF ADRENAL STEROIDS AND CORTICOTROPIN

Abstract

THE PROPER use of adrenal corticosteroids and corticotropin in ocular diseases has been clarified gradually, so that ophthalmologists have become aware of many of the limitations inherent in this type of therapy. The purpose of this paper is to present information obtained from the treatment of a large series with a view to establishing a therapeutic regimen in certain types of ocular lesions. A number of the ocular complications we have encountered seem to have resulted from overtreatment or from an untoward response to steroid therapy. Therefore it is deemed advisable to emphasize the nature of some lesions and to discuss the undesirable effects resulting from the injudicious use of such therapy in specific types of disease. A brief description of the characteristics of each of the hormones commonly used in ophthalmology will be given, together with a discussion of their correct and incorrect therapeutic use. ADRENAL CORTICOSTEROIDS Cortisone (Compound