Which of the following ocular complication can occur as a result of chronic systemic steroid use?
High-Yield Explanation
Prolonged use of topical as well as systemic steroids produces a type of glaucoma very similar to chronic simple glaucoma. The elevated intra ocular pressure (I.O.P) is reversible, whereas the glaucomatous cupping and the field defects are irreversible. Among the coicosteroids, dexamethasone and betamethasone both topical and systemic are more potent in producing cataract and glaucoma than medrysone and prednisolone. The longer the duration of steroid therapy the more will be the glaucomatous changes. The I.O.P is reversible within 15 - 45 days after institution of antiglaucoma therapy and subsequently without any drugs whatever may be the type and duration of steroids used. But the glaucomatous cupping, field defects and cataract are persistent. There is no connection between rise of I.O.P and the development of cataract.