Those Taking Oral Steroids are at Increased Risk of Developing Cataracts

Oral Steroids and Cataracts

About 22 million Americans have cataracts, a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. The biggest risk factor is age. It’s one of the most common eye conditions for Americans older than 40. About half of those 80 and older have, or have had, cataracts. But age isn’t the only factor in developing cataracts.   If you have a cataract seeing through cloudy lenses can be like looking through a fogged-up window or piece of wax paper. Cataracts can make it harder to read, see a computer screen clearly or drive a car safely (especially at night). Symptoms include,

• Blurred or dim vision,
• Night vision problems,
• Sensitivity to light and glare,
• The need for more light to read,
• Appearance of "halos" around lights,
• Quickly deteriorating vision,
• Fading or yellowing of colors, and,
• Double vision in a single eye.

The cloudiness impacting your sight may start with a small part of the eye's lens so you may not be conscious of vision loss. As the cataract grows, more of your lens becomes cloudy and it distorts the light passing through it. Symptoms become more noticeable. Over time cataracts will interfere more and more with your vision. When you first become aware of the problem better lighting and brighter lights may be enough to get you through. It’s just a matter of time before you will probably need surgery, but it’s generally a safe and effective procedure. Long term or high dose use of corticosteroid drugs, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, can increase the chances you’ll develop cataracts. Prednisone, for example, is used to treat arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems and immune system disorders. It suppresses your immune system's response to reduce swelling and allergic-type reactions. Corticosteroids copy the effects of hormones you produce in your adrenal glands. If you’re using doses that exceed your body's normal levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation. This can lower the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma. Those who suffer auto-immune disorder may also use corticosteroids because it may prevent or lessen the patient’s immune system’s attack on the person’s own organs. When corticosteroids are taken orally they affect your entire body so this method is more likely to cause significant side effects. Possible short term side effects include,

• Glaucoma,
• Fluid retention,
• High blood pressure,
• Insomnia,
• Mood swings, memory problems, odd behavior and other psychological effects, and,
• Weight gain.

Long term side effects include,

• Cataracts,
• High blood sugar, which may cause or worsen diabetes,
• Higher risk of developing infections,
• Osteoporosis and bone fractures,
• Decreased adrenal gland hormone production, and,
• Thin skin, increased bruising and decreased ability for wounds to heal.

If you’re using corticosteroids and have questions about short or long term side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you are having vision problems and have used corticosteroids in the past, you may have a cataract in one or both eyes. The only way to find out is to have an eye exam. If you have questions or concerns about your vision, contact the Lehigh Valley Center for Sight at 610-437-4988 or fill out our contact form so we can start the conversation and work together to protect your sight. Houman Ahdieh, MD Lehigh Valley Center for Sight https://www.lvcenter4sight.com eyedoc@lvcenter4sight.com  

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