Corticosteroid-induced Glaucoma: An avoidable blindness

Healthcare professionals frequently advise the use of topical steroid eye drops to manage and control postoperative inflammation following phacoemulsification. Although there are many benefits associated with steroid usage, it is imperative to recognize the potential negative repercussions that may arise. In individuals who respond to steroids, the use of topical steroid drops can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Increase in IOP resulting from the side effects of steroids typically manifests several weeks following the initiation of eye drop therapy. The first documentation of steroid induced glaucoma (SIG) can be traced back to the 1950s on the administration of systemic adrenocorticotropic hormones. The elevation of IOP is a complex issue influenced by various factors, but the primary factor is the increased resistance within the outflow mechanisms of the trabecular meshwork. Out of all the risk factors related to ocular hypertension caused by steroid use, a preexisting glaucoma diagnosis is the most frequently seen. The usage of different routes of steroids administration has been linked to the occurrence of ocular hypertension. The current management approach prioritizes the exploration of steroid-sparing treatment options, discontinuing steroid use, employing medications to lower intraocular pressure, and considering interventional laser and surgical procedures.