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Intraocular Pressure During Short-Term Topical or Systemic Corticosteroid Treatment: Analysis of 3 Randomized
Diva Amiri1,2,3, Pernille H Hellmann4, Jacob P Thyssen5,6
1Copenhagen Research Group for Inflammatory Skin, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
JAMA Dermatology
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Short-term corticosteroid use, including topical and systemic forms, did not elevate intraocular pressure (IOP) in three randomized clinical trials. These findings suggest topical corticosteroids (TCS) are safe for ocular health when used briefly.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known risk of corticosteroid use, potentially leading to glaucoma.
- Clinical data on the IOP effects of topical corticosteroids (TCS) are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess IOP changes during short-term periocular and whole-body TCS treatment.
- To evaluate IOP changes during short-term systemic corticosteroid treatment.
Main Methods:
- Three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls.
- Interventions included periocular hydrocortisone, whole-body betamethasone, and oral prednisolone with or without curcumin.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) change was the primary or secondary endpoint.
Main Results:
- In study 1, periocular hydrocortisone use led to a significant IOP decrease in patients with atopic dermatitis compared to controls.
- No significant IOP changes were observed in healthy controls using periocular corticosteroids.
- IOP remained stable in studies 2 and 3 involving whole-body TCS and systemic corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
- Short-term topical or systemic corticosteroid administration did not increase IOP in the studied populations.
- Findings support the ocular safety of brief corticosteroid application.
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