Drug-related glaucoma

Corticosteroids are widely used in the eye, and glaucoma caused by them is also very common. Corticosteroids cause glaucoma to be open-angle glaucoma, which occurs after the use of corticosteroids in the eye or the whole body, including eye drops or eye ointments, eye injections, external application to the skin, systemic inhalation and oral or injection. Increased intraocular pressure after long-term use is called corticosteroid glaucoma, also known as glucocorticoid induced glaucoma (GIG), referred to as hormone glaucoma. First reported by Francois in 1954, the clinical manifestations and course of disease are very similar to those of primary open-angle glaucoma. Except for increased intraocular pressure, the aqueous humor decreases, the angle of the room opens, and glaucoma cups and vision loss occur. Local ocular medications are more common than systemic medications, but those with primary open-angle glaucoma are more sensitive to increased intraocular pressure caused by topical corticosteroids. In more than 50% of primary open-angle glaucoma, the intraocular pressure increased by more than 15 mmHg from baseline at the second week of corticosteroid infusion. Even in some patients, after frequent drops of hormones in the eye, such as 1% prednisone acetate, intraocular pressure can increase within 3 to 5 days. The length of corticosteroid application or the height of the intraocular pressure cannot predict the time required for the intraocular pressure to decrease. However, it should be noted that intraocular pressure may not decrease once corticosteroid treatment is discontinued for several years.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.