Intraocular pressure variation in patients on long-term corticosteroids

BACKGROUND: Long-term use of topical and systemic steroids produces secondary open-angle glaucoma similar to chronic simple glaucoma. The increased intraocular pressure [IOP] caused by prolonged steroid therapy is reversible but the damage produced by it is irreversible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we analyzed 200 patients with steroid-induced glaucoma, who were on systemic and topical corticosteroids for various dermatological conditions. The variation in IOP caused by different steroid preparations was studied. RESULTS: Two hundred patients who were on systemic steroids for more than 8 weeks developed raised IOP. Three of these patients also developed bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract. CONCLUSION: We conclude that systemic steroids can induce rise of IOP and cataract formation. If it is not detected and treated in time, rise in IOP can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes.