Inhaled Steroid Use and Glaucoma

Abstract

To the Editor: Inhaled steroids are commonly used in the treatment of chronic asthma, partly because of their diminished systemic side effects as compared with systemic steroids1. Irrespective of the route of administration, however, steroid use has been associated with both glaucoma and cataract formation2. A substantial number of people have elevated intraocular pressure when treated with long-term topical or systemic glucocorticoids3. Although glaucoma is more common in certain populations (e.g., African Americans, Northern Europeans, and first-degree relatives of patients with glaucoma), it can also develop in people without risk factors3. We have evaluated three patients… © 1993, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.