When Treatment Becomes a Threat: An Updated Review of Steroid-Induced Glaucoma

Abstract

Background: Steroids are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, used mainly to treat various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Although it has numerous benefits, its usage can also cause many adverse effects on the eyes. It inhibits trabecular meshwork cell functions, changes the trabecular meshwork cytoskeleton, and increases extracellular matrix deposition, resulting in decreased aqueous humor outflow and ultimately causing steroid-induced glaucoma. Purpose: Steroid-induced glaucoma is a secondary open-angle glaucoma that can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Identification of risk factors, early detection, and monitoring of ocular hypertension can decrease the development of irreversible glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Method: It is a peer-reviewed journal that highlights the pathogenesis, possibility of severe and permanent side effects of topical steroid eye drops, their prevention, and management. Result: Topical corticosteroids are often self-administered by persons who are not aware of their potentially catastrophic adverse effects. Unmonitored use is also common when it is readily available across the country, resulting in cataract or steroid-induced glaucoma that causes permanent vision loss. Conclusion: General physicians need to exercise caution when treating patients with steroids. Topical steroids should only be prescribed by ophthalmologists with proper monitoring of the intraocular pressure and other potential side effects. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are very important to prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy and permanent loss of vision.

Medivision J. of Med. and Health Sci. Vol 1(1), Jul 2026; p 46-51