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Steroid-induced Glaucoma: An Avoidable Irreversible Blindness
Sonia Phulke1, Sushmita Kaushik2, Savleen Kaur3
1Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice
|September 20, 2017
Summary
Unmonitored steroid use, especially eye drops, can lead to steroid-induced glaucoma, a serious condition causing irreversible blindness. Early recognition and management are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs used for ocular and systemic conditions.
- Over-the-counter availability of steroid eye drops facilitates unmonitored use, leading to adverse effects.
- Cataract and glaucoma are significant ocular side effects of steroid administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology and epidemiology of steroid-induced glaucoma.
- To highlight the recognition of steroid-induced ocular side effects.
- To outline the principles for managing steroid-induced glaucoma and prevent vision loss.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on steroid-induced glaucoma.
- Analysis of pathophysiology and epidemiology.
- Discussion of clinical recognition and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Steroid-induced ocular hypertension, reported in 1950, increases intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Chronic steroid use with elevated IOP can progress to optic neuropathy, resulting in steroid-induced glaucoma.
- Self-prescription of steroids poses risks of irreversible blindness.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must be aware of the dangers associated with unmonitored steroid use.
- Monitoring intraocular pressure is essential during steroid therapy to prevent glaucoma.
- Steroid-induced glaucoma is an avoidable cause of irreversible blindness.
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