Steroids and glaucoma

Intra-ocular pressure is increased by topical steroids in all eyes. Normally, the elevation in pressure is small - about 1-2 mm Hg - but in approximately 10% of people, the so called "steroid-responders", the rise is much more marked and clinically significant.

Steroid induced glaucoma is a particular risk in long term steroid treatment and postoperatively, following trabeculectomy for high intra-ocular pressure.

Anyone taking high-strength scalp or facial steroids, or systemic steroids or eye drops, should have their intra - ocular pressure checked after one month of treatment and annually thereafter (1).

There is an increased prevalence of steroid responders among chronic simple glaucoma patients.

Reference:

• 1) Pulse (27/3/99), 85.