Abstract
Steroid creams applied topically to the skin are routinely used in the treatment of many dermatoses. Their use on the face in severe atopic eczema is relatively common. We report a series of three patients who whilst using topical facial steroids developed advanced glaucoma. A further two cases of ocular hypertension secondary to topical facial steroids are also described. This is the first series of cases to be reported demonstrating the potentially blinding complications of topical facial steroids. Recommendations are made with regard to screening such patients for glaucoma.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Armaly MF . Effect of corticosteroids on intraocular pressure and fluid dynamics. I. The effect of dexamethasone in the normal eye. Arch Ophthalmol 1963;70:482–91.
Becker B, Mills DW . Corticosteroids and intraocular pressure. Arch Ophthalmol 1963;70:500–7.
Kitazawa Y . Increased intraocular pressure induced by corticosteroids. Am J Ophthalmol 1976;82:492–5.
Covell LL . Glaucoma induced by systemic steroid therapy. Am J Ophthalmol 1958;45:108–9.
Adhikary HP, Sells RA, Basu PK . Ocular complications of systemic steroids after renal transplantation and their association with HLA. Br J Ophthalmol 1982;66:290–1.
Cubey RB . Glaucoma following the application of corticosteroids to the skin of the eyelids. Br J Dermatol 1976;95: 207–8.
Vie R . Glaucoma and amaurosis associated with long term application of topical corticosteroids to the eyelids. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1980;60:541–2.
Zugerman C, Sauders D, Levit F . Glaucoma from topically applied steroids. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:1326.
McLean JM . Use of ACTH and cortisone: discussion of paper of Woods AC. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 1950;48: 293–5.
Armaly MR . Effect of corticosteroids on intraocular pressure and fluid dynamics. II. The effect of dexamethasone in the glaucomatous eye. Arch Ophthalmol 1963;70:492–9.
Armaly MF . The heritable nature of dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension. Arch Ophthalmol 1966;75: 32–5.
Podos SM, Becker B, Morton WR . High myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1966;62: 1039–13.
Becker B . Diabetes mellitus and primary open-angle glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1971;71:1–16.
Gaston H, Absolon MJ, Thurtle OA, Sattar MA . Steroid responsiveness in connective tissue diseases. Br J Ophthalmol 1983;67:487–90.
Dahl MGC . Hazards of topical steroid therapy. Adverse Drug Reaction Bull 1985;115:428–31.
Edwards C, Stillman P . The use of topical hydrocortisone. Pharm J 1987;238:169–74.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Aggarwal, R., Potamitis, T., Chong, N. et al. Extensive visual loss with topical facial steroids. Eye 7, 664–666 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1993.152
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1993.152
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Ocular Co-Morbidities of Atopic Dermatitis. Part II: Ocular Disease Secondary to Treatments
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2019)
-
Corticosteroids and Open-Angle Glaucoma in the Elderly
Drugs & Aging (2012)
-
Tacrolimus ointment vs steroid ointment for eyelid dermatitis in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Eye (2007)
-
Anti‐inflammatory effects of nitric oxide‐releasing hydrocortisone NCX 1022, in a murine model of contact dermatitis
British Journal of Pharmacology (2004)
-
Letter
Eye (1994)