Is there a link with taking Forstair and cataracts?

[AllotmentNanna]

I was diagnosed with late onset asthma just before the first Covid lockdown. My eyes were always fine until then, but within a year of taking Forstair I was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. My research suggests the steroid in the inhaler might be responsible, but it has been dismissed by my GP. Has anyone else experienced this correlation? Thank you.

[runcyclexcski]

Indeed, there is a link between steroid intake and cataracts. There was a thread on this about a year ago, I believe. My consultants suggested rinsing the mouth after using steroid inhalers.

[AllotmentNanna in reply to runcyclexcski]

Thank you so much for replying. That is very interesting. I must admit I haven't always rinsed after using the inhaler, but will definitely get into that habit now.

[runcyclexcski in reply to AllotmentNanna]

I am surprised your GP did not know this. Maybe it would be better to regularly see a specialist (who knows what else your GP may not know ). When my consultant prescribed me my first steroid inhaler almost 20 years ago, he said (and kept repeating) -- "do not forget to rinse your mouth, or you may get cataracts!" No cataracts so far, but my teeth deteriorated. Not sure if that is related.

[Patk1 in reply to AllotmentNanna]

Rinsing aLso helps avoid oral thrush x

[DannyQ in reply to AllotmentNanna]

I've always cleaned my teeth after using my inhaler otherwise my mouth feels rough

[Patk1]

If you've only been on it a year unless you've had hi dose steroids previously, it's unlikely.orob more age related.have u always worn sunglasses outside? Sunlight one of other causes x

[Troilus]

I think there is a tentative link between inhaled steroids and cataracts but this is to do with high doses and older age group.

I take Fostair and also have had cataracts. Cataract removal for me (and everyone I know) was a simple pain free procedure. What is even better is I can now read most things without glasses.

[AllotmentNanna in reply to Troilus]

It is very reassuring to know the cataract op was pain free, thank you. I'm not at that stage yet, but one eye is progressing faster than the optician expected, probably due to the continued use of Forstair.

[Nanto4]

I was changed to Fostair from Symbicort a few years ago and i now have the start of cataracts,and have just been referred to the eye clinic to see if they want to sort them now or just observe them as i also have dry AMD .Myoptician suggested it could of been accelerated by the steroid use and my GP agreed it is possible.

[janet65]

I've not personally heard of that connection. I've been using inhalers including fostair for way too many years! I was told I had the beginning of cataracts probably 6 years ago now, they haven't progressed yet I'm now 72. I should add my husband (no asthma) is at the same stage, he's 79. I always thought it was an age thing for some people. As has been said, the removal of them isn't a big procedure, I know my people who have had it successfully done. Personally I don't wear glasses for reading, only a minimum prescription for driving. Good luck.

[Bridget72]

I've been on fostair for 5 years now I always have rinsed my mouth out after taking inhalers, as I was told it can cause cataracts.I had my eyes tested last year and I've got the early beginnings of cataracts in both eyes.

So rinsing mouth haven't stopped cataracts but I've never had oral thrush.

[Poobah]

Yes, cataracts may be a result of taking inhaled steroids and systemic steroids. Re oral health care, definitely rinse thoroughly after inhaler use. When you brush your teeth, use a high fluoride toothpaste and never rinse with water or mouthwash immediately afterwards. The fluoride will go some way of protecting the tooth enamel from the steroid use. If you use mouthwash, try leaving at least 30 mins between brushing and swilling mouthwash, otherwise you just undermine the fluoride.

And to protect your eyes, use sunglasses as much as possible in daylight. My optician explained that once we're predisposed to developing cataracts, the sunlight will only speed things up.

[Whiteclouds]

hello, I’m on Fostair too and my optician told me I have cataracts in both eyes this seems to have come on very quickly although I had no idea it was to do with my inhaler until the optician suggest it . My gp and asthma nurse dismissed it.

[Whiteclouds]

here is what Google says on the matterUsing high doses of steroid asthma inhalers significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts, suggests a new UK study. People who used high doses of inhaled corticosteroids for a long time increased their chance of developing the eye disorder by nearly 70 per cent compared with those not on the drugs.:

[AllotmentNanna in reply to Whiteclouds]

Thanks for sharing your research. Scary, especially since so many GPs and Asthma Nurses dismiss it.

[DannyQ]

Well I've definitely learnt something new as I had no idea about the links and I've been diagnosed 27years ago. Luckily I've had no issues so far. I've been on Fostair for about 4 years now so I'm definitely going to be more vigilant after using my inhaler

[jodew]

I have cataracts in both eyes too, found when I was in my late forties. My optician said it was most likely inhaled steroids that caused them as I was 'young', although almost everybody gets them as they age and not all cataracts are noticeable to the person that has them.

[sunny-days]

I had cataract surgery last year. The procedure was painless, it didn’t take long at all and my sight is so much better now. I’m in my 40’s, so not the typical age group for needing cataract surgery, same as jodew mentioned.

Both my optician and the eye surgeon at the hospital said that the cataracts had most likely developed as a result of the steroid use. The eye surgeon did say that they can never know for sure if it was the steroids, only that it was her opinion that it was most likely the cause.

I’ve had Asthma for 30 years and have been on high dose inhaled steroids for the majority of this time and have taken lots of rescue packs of Prednisolone over the years.

I still take my steroids as the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks and side effects.

[Asthmasince2yrsold]

I had cataract surgery 4 weeks ago. I was told I had dense cataracts which are primarily due to steroid use. I am 64 and I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 2 years old. Consequently I have been on steroids of one sort or another for decades. My asthma has been well managed for a very long time.

My difficulties arose when I was prescribed NSAID drops 4 times a day fir 3 weeks. My asthma became steadily worse so I stopped the drops after 2 weeks.

However, my asthma is still bad and my O2 levels have fluctuated between 78 and 98.

Has this affected you or anyone else?

[AllotmentNanna in reply to Asthmasince2yrsold]

I have only been diagnosed for 5 years so haven't encountered that particular problem. My only eye drops are for extremely dry eyes, but I will watch out for the NSAID drops. I can't tolerate oral NSAIDs, so would probably steer clear. I hope your asthma stabilizes again soon.

[Asthmasince2yrsold]

I asked my Optician about the type of cataracts that I had. He said I had congenital cataracts aging cataracts and also cataracts that are generally caused by steroids because of my continued use of medication for asthma. I had surgery on my second eye last Friday. I explained I could not take any NSAIDs, which was fine and they gave me something else. So not a problem. Hope this helps.