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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
Borderline Glaucoma and Steroids
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Borderline Glaucoma and Steroids
by Eyes1967, Aug 04, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 38 yo white male. I had a Doc back in 1997 tell me that my optic nerves mimiced glaucoma, my pressures were normal. Last year I had another Eye Dr tell me this as well. He again tested my pressure and it was normal. In addition, he had me do a visual field test and also performed a test that measured the thickness of my cornea...mine was thin. Everything came out normal. He told me I may have been born with funny looking nerves. I have recently went back and he compared last year photos and no change was seen. I recently went to a dermatologist for rosacea and dermatitis....I had been using desonide lotion on my face for 6 or so years. He told me not to use it anymore, because of possible long term side effects. I looked up the side effects of corticosteroids on the internet and found that glaucoma is one of them. This had made me very curious...I have been using some sort of cream for skin problems my whole life...kenalog on various areas all through childhood, hyrodcortisone on my face and body for about 10 years thereafter, followed by the desonide lotion on my face. Could this use have affected my optic nerves? If so, will discontinuing their use stop any damage to my nerves and therefore make any sight loss progression not procede? I know you can't diagnose...i am just looking for thoughts.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Member Comments
by Chatterine, Aug 08, 2005 12:00AM
From what I've heard, topical steroids should have no effect on the eyes (unless of course, you get it IN the eye). Long term use of oral or injected steroids can begin to induce a steroid response from the body which causes increased pressure in the eye (which can possibly lead to glaucoma if not controlled), and the formation of cataracts.
by Chatterine, Aug 20, 2005 12:00AM
Another thought: you might consider staying away from injections of Kenalog into the skin (the eye is another matter entirely) if the option is presented to you in the future. Kenalog injections have sometimes been known to leave the area with a large crater or hollowed out area that may or may not fully heal over time. Just something to keep in mind since you are dealing with skin issues and have experience with Kenalog.
by dblackfox, Nov 02, 2008 05:20PM
A related discussion, steroids and glaucoma was started.
