Influence of topical steroids on intraocular pressure in patients with atopic dermatitis

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) can induce adverse effects, such as skin atrophy. Although TCS can cause increases in intraocular pressure (IOP), the effects of daily TCS use on IOP have not been fully elucidated. We evaluated the clinical doses of TCS and the change in the IOP during the daily treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).

We collected clinical data on a total of 65 patients who were diagnosed with AD and underwent 2 or more IOP measurements at our hospital.

Mean monthly facial steroid volumes of ≤11.8 g and ≤15.0 g of TCS were applied to 90% of the patients aged 2-12 years and those aged ≥13 years, respectively. During the treatment, there were no TCS-related increases in IOP in any patient.

Our study suggests that TCS might not cause increases in IOP at the abovementioned doses. However, the IOP of steroid responders is known to be highly responsive to steroids. Therefore, patients who have steroids applied to their eyelids had better undergo regular IOP measurements at ophthalmological clinics.