6 Side Effects Of Steroids On Eyes That You Should Know About

The following are some of the side effects of steroids on the eyes:

1. Glaucoma

   Damage to the eye’s optic nerve occurs in glaucoma and is often brought on by a rise in IOP (intraocular pressure). It has often been demonstrated that steroids can raise IOP by reducing the aqueous humor leakage present in the eye’s anterior chamber.

   It is believed that the expression of the myocilin gene and the participation of the trabecular meshwork cells is responsible for the decrease in the outflow of aqueous humor.

   A decrease in the aqueous outflow is brought on by corticosteroids, which accelerate or prevent the deposition of the trabecular meshwork, an extracellular matrix component.

   A protein known as myocilin is produced when the cells of the trabecular meshwork are exposed to the usage of corticosteroids. It has also often been connected to a reduction in aqueous humor outflow and steroidal-induced IOP.

   A history of elevated IOP with prior steroid administration, primary pre-existing open-angle glaucoma, and individuals who are very old or very young along with type 1 diabetics are currently risk factors for steroid-induced glaucoma.

2. Cataracts

   Inflammatory bowel disease is frequently treated with steroids, such as prednisone. Cataract formation can be regarded as one side effect of prednisone that can happen with high doses or extended treatment.

   Cataracts are usually considered to be an old-age condition. However, in younger individuals, steroid use can result in cataract development.

   Cataracts frequently develop naturally as people age. Light passes through the lens, which is mostly made of proteins and water, after entering the pupil of the eye.

   The lens concentrates that light onto the retina like a camera. Your eye’s lens can alter shape to concentrate on nearby or distant objects.

   A cataract does not go away once the period of steroid medication is through, in contrast to some adverse effects including acne, hair growth, increased hunger, and facial mooning. However, an existing cataract might not enlarge if the steroid dosage is stopped or reduced.

   Fortunately, cataracts are very treatable. Not all people who use steroids end up with cataracts. However, since this side effect of steroids is well-known, anyone who uses them should frequently visit an eye doctor.

3. Floaters

   These are minuscule dots or specks that drift into your field of view. Most people become aware of them outside on a sunny day or in well-lit areas.

   Steroid use can sometimes cause floaters. Although floaters are usually normal, they can occasionally signal a more serious eye condition, such as a detached retina.

   The retina at the back of your eye separates from the layer beneath it at that point. Along with the floaters, you might experience light flashes at this time, or a black shadow may move over the edge of your field of vision.

   Visit your eye doctor as soon as you can if you detect a sudden change in the quantity or type of flashes or spots you see or a new black curtain in your peripheral vision after taking steroids.

4. Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

   Steroids can lead to a detachment of the retina occurring over an area of neurosensory leakage from the choriocapillaris of the eyes through the retinal pigment epithelium in a condition known as central serous chorioretinopathy.

   It is a self-limiting macular condition characterized by blurred vision, distortion, and metamorphopsia. To make the right diagnosis, it is necessary to rule out further explanations, such as malignancies, inflammation, or choroidal neovascularization.

   Although the precise mechanism that causes CSCR is unknown, several potential risk factors have been identified, such as using systemic corticosteroids, having Cushing’s syndrome, and being pregnant.

   Recently, CSCR has also been reported following local corticosteroid treatment through the topical, intra-articular, epidural, and periocular routes.

   Even though it is a sign of CSCR, blurred vision is a known side effect of steroid therapy. There are many other reasons why eyesight can become hazy, including glaucoma and cataract.

5. Strabismus

   An imbalance in the placement of the two eyes is referred to as strabismus. The eyes may cross inside, known as esotropia, or turn outward due to strabismus, known as exotropia.

   Steroid use can often lead to strabismus. As a result, the eyes do not focus on a single object at the same time and instead look in several directions.

   The brain may learn to disregard the input from one eye, resulting in permanent vision loss in that eye, and when the two eyes are unable to focus on the same image, there is missing or diminished depth perception.

6. Retinal detachment

   The retina can detach or separate from the tissues that support it in your eye, causing retinal detachment. Steroids are a common culprit of retinal detachment. If left untreated, this significant eye ailment can result in blindness.

   Symptoms may be present depending on how severe the separation is. These signs include:

   • Seeing squiggly lines or dark spots drifting across your vision
   • Seeing flashes of light
   • Covering/darkening part of your vision or your side vision

   To close or seal the retinal tear and reattach the retina, treatments may include various surgical techniques like laser therapy.