Glaucoma and Cateracts

Read an article in the Daily Mail this week which suggested that steroid inhalers can cause glaucoma and cateracts.Should I be worried as I'm on steroid inhalers and these two conditions run in my family!

[angievere]

Hi Ally, I missed the article, but I had read before (on this forum) of a connection between cataracts and long term steroid use. I am going to ask our optician about it when we have an appointment next week (she is a specialist).

I think the hereditary element is more significant, my mother has glaucoma and has had cataracts, also my sister had cataracts removed when she was in her early 40s. Neither have had any steroids and my sister is really healthy. My cataracts started forming when I was in my 30s and I had both removed about 4 yrs ago (48). I have also had other eye problems, but I think they are hereditary!

[angievere]

I asked our specialist optician about this today, and she confirmed that taking big doses of oral steroids long term can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. This was a new one to me! She said my cataracts were very likely partially caused by all the steroids I've taken over the years, but there is also a strong hereditary factor.

So as well as getting your bones checked for Osteoporosis which I also have (another side effect of long term usage of steroids) it's important asthmatics on long term steroids get regular eye tests. The eye test should include a 'puffer' test for high blood pressure (in the eyes) which leads to glaucoma. Another thing I've learnt is that if you have a family history of glaucoma (my mother has it) you get free eye tests.