Change in eye vision due to inhalers?

[Pinkyboo28]

has anyone noticed changes in vision since being on inhalers such as luforbec or steroid tablets ?

[Poobah]

I've been on steroid inhalers for 5 decades and only recently has my ophthalmologist noted low end glaucoma and early stage cataracts. Otherwise my vision has been OK, apart from natural decline.

If you're experiencing vision issues, get your eyes tested and, if necessary, the ophthalmologist will refer you to the eye hospital for a more thorough assessment. My only tip would be not to drive, in case they use dilation and/or anaesthetic drops. I'm pretty whimpy about these things, but the eye hospital was brilliant and thorough.

[Muldrew]

hiya

My understanding is steroids can encourage cataracts

And I have had both done and I use a lot of steroids

However Steroids are vital for my breathing…

Definitely see an optician and don’t drive if worried

What a hassle!

Good luck

Muldrew

[Teddid]

I think it depends what age you are and what length of time you are talking about. I have used steriod inhalers and tablets for over 20 years . Age alone would probably have affected my eye sight so it's hard to tell.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I guess steroid inhalers could affect your vision, but although a little gets into your bloodstream on higher doses, it's much lower than with oral steroids.

(Not what you were asking, but for anyone reading this who's concerned about the effects from the inhaled steroids - not taking them means a much higher chance of needing oral steroids, which have way more effects. Plus both oral and inhaled are life-saving if you need them, so despite the side effects anyone reading shouldn't be put off taking them when prescribed).

I am 38 and my eyesight has been rubbish since I was born, but the pred didn't help. I was already very long-sighted (+6) and I went to +6.5 and then +7 while on long-term steroid tablets. It seems to have stabilised now though, not had any changes for a few years since I went off the steroid tablets (which don't actually work for me). But my eyes sadly haven't got less long-sighted/gone back to baseline since stopping either! I also have astigmatism, can't remember if that got worse.

No cataracts as yet but I do know relatively young people who've needed them removed due to long-term, high dose oral steroids.

[Patk1 in reply to Lysistrata]

We're a family with astigmatism and longsighteness,tho not as bad as yrs.my youngest son has worn specs frm being a toddler.hes a v bad astigmatism. His lens are 4.5.hes pleased they have now developed contact lens for his bad astigmatism but monthly ones not daily

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Patk1]

Yes I wear monthly toric lenses too. My astigmatism isn't as bad as that so it must have taken a while to get one with his prescription - glad he's got there! I've worn contacts since I was first able to, though initially that was rigid gas permeable ones which were awful.

[Patk1 in reply to Lysistrata]

Oh they sound awful! Yes his is bad.hes doing well with monthlies.he doesn't wear all the time,swaps with his specs,when needs to.they didn't do them for his level of astigmatism until the last few years.

[runcyclexcski]

I have, but it was a correlation, not causation. I found that it's mostly b.c. I do not get out of my flat at all anymore, and the only objects I've been looking at for a year were the walls of my flat.