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Steroid-induced glaucoma in an infant

Kelly A Hutcheson1

  • 1Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20010, USA. khutches@cnmc.org

Journal of AAPOS : the Official Publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|July 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Topical steroid eye drops can cause increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma in infants. This condition resolved after stopping the steroid medication, highlighting infant sensitivity.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Topical corticosteroids are widely used for ocular inflammation.
  • Infants and young children may have unique sensitivities to medications.
  • Intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is crucial during corticosteroid therapy.

Observation:

  • A 3-week-old infant presented with buphthalmos (enlarged eye) and glaucoma.
  • The infant had received a 1-week course of topical steroid eye drops.
  • Buphthalmos and glaucoma are signs of pediatric glaucoma.

Findings:

  • The infant's glaucoma was directly linked to the topical steroid use.
  • Intraocular pressure normalized after discontinuation of the steroid medication.
  • This indicates a rapid and reversible steroid-induced ocular hypertension.

Implications:

  • Infants and very young children are highly susceptible to steroid-induced IOP elevation.
  • Careful monitoring for glaucoma is essential in infants treated with topical steroids.
  • Alternative anti-inflammatory treatments may be considered for pediatric ocular conditions.

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