Inhaled corticosteroids and glaucoma.

Abstract

Mitchell, et al1Mitchell P Cumming R.G Mackey D.A Inhaled corticosteroids. Family history and risk of glaucoma.Ophthalmology. 1999; 106: 2301-2305Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (94) Google Scholar have made an important observation regarding the risk of inhaled corticosteroids in subjects with a family history of glaucoma. We found the same evidence in our population-based study—that inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of open-angle glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). We presented our 2-year study results at the Satellite Meeting of the Annual Congress of the Czech Ophthalmological Society in June 1999. There were 328 subjects, users of inhaled or intranasal steroids, in our study. The age range was 21 to 75 years (median, 45 years). Our combined group with glaucoma or elevated IOP included seven subjects. Each of them had a family history of glaucoma. They were also high-dose dependent (high dose = 2000 μg/day) correlations, especially with more than 6 months of treatment. All users of steroids are high IOP risk subjects, particularly those with positive family histories. Taking a thorough medical history and asking about the use of inhaled steroids is desirable. Author’s replyOphthalmologyVol. 108Issue 5Preview Full-Text PDF