They reduce your immune system response, not boost. I do not know about eye problems, but steroids for my lung problem were a lifesaver for me, I had inflammation 4+ months out of each year. Finding the source of my problem and working on that would have taken a long time considering the inflammation cycle I was in, and breathing is important (as is stopping possible eye damage caused by your own body). I was able to stop using the steroids b/c the inflammation cycle I was in was interrupted by dampening it for a short time with the medication. I think your biggest question should be "how long do I need to take these?" Long term steroids can cause major immune system problems, whereas in the short term they can be very helpful. I am grateful for medical science in the handling of acute problems. Again....I don't know about eyes tho.

I have recurrent uveitis, which is an autoimmune-related inflammation of the eye. I take steroid drops as soon as I feel it coming on...without hesitation. Usually the steroid concentration in eye drops is so mild that their effect is very localized with no systemic impact. Doesn't matter though...the pain and inflammation is so bad in my case that I would take the drops no matter what.

Small, short-term dose that fixes a really bad problem - it's a no-brainer for me.

I can't answer your question about steroids, but if you want a more Paleo way to cure your inflammation, find a mam who is nursing & ask her to express some breastmilk for you.

Wierd, but true.

Breastmilk great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties & all the mamas I know swear by it for inflamed eyes. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days & freeze for months, but I don't know if it affects the properties I mentioned.

From Wiki: Breast milk has been used as a home remedy for minor ailments, such as conjunctivitis, insect bites and stings, contact dermatitis, and infected wounds, burns, and abrasions.

No they aren't safe long term (>6mo). For starters, they suppress your immune system, which isn't all that great in the eye to begin with due to lack of access to the lymphatic system. More importantly, though, is that they increase IOP which increases risk for glaucoma. Your Optho can monitor it at least. Better to identify the underlying cause and treat that but if that can't be done it may be the least of all evils.