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Risk of cataracts and glaucoma with inhaled steroid use in children

Sailaja Nootheti1, Leonard Bielory

  • 1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 90 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.

Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update
|April 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids, commonly used for asthma, may affect eye health, particularly intraocular pressure. More research is needed, especially in children, to understand these ocular effects and optimal dosing.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are first-line asthma therapy.
  • Systemic steroid side effects are known, but ocular effects of ICS are less understood.
  • Limited research exists on ICS effects on children's eyes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ocular adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids.
  • To determine if inhaled corticosteroids impact intraocular pressure.
  • To assess dose-dependency and effects in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Computerized literature search conducted.
  • Searched for studies on oral and inhaled steroids (nasal/bronchial).
  • Keywords included adverse effects, glaucoma, ocular effects, and increased ocular pressure.

Main Results:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids have minimal hematologic or musculoskeletal effects.
  • Some metabolic effects, like calcium metabolism, are noted with ICS.
  • Data on specific ocular effects, especially in children, remains limited.

Conclusions:

  • The ocular safety profile of inhaled corticosteroids requires further investigation.
  • Dose-response relationships for ocular effects are not well-established.
  • More research, particularly in pediatric populations, is crucial to understand potential risks like glaucoma.

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