Spectrum of retinal abnormalities in renal transplant patients using chronic low-dose steroids

PURPOSE: To assess the ophthalmological characteristics of asymptomatic patients with a renal transplant on chronic low-dose steroids for at least the last 2 years prior to examination. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. All patients underwent an extensive ophthalmological examination. RESULTS: Of the 37 included patients [25 male, 12 female; 59 ± 11 years (range, 38–77 years)] ophthalmological phenotyping revealed abnormalities in 22 patients (59%). Findings characteristic for (subclinical) central serous chorioretinopathy were detected in ten patients (27%), including two patients with serous subretinal fluid in the macula. An epiretinal membrane of the macula was present in six patients (16%). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly increased in patients with ophthalmological abnormalities, in comparison with patients without abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal abnormalities are common in the majority of renal transplant patients using chronic low-dose steroids. These retinal changes may be associated with the renal disease and/or the effect of chronic steroid use on the choroid and retina.