Steroid-induced glaucoma and cataract in renal transplant recipients

Fifteen kidney transplant recipients were studied ophthalmologically for periods of one to five years following the transplantation. All subjects received maintenance immunosuppressive therapy which included azathioprine (IMURAN) and corticosteroids. Two patients developed posterior subcapsular cataracts. Seven patients (47%) developed increased intraocular pressure and one of these had glaucomatous field loss and disk cupping. The increased intraocular pressure responded favorably to topical treatment while the patients were under continuous treatment with systemic steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.