pred and eye pressure

[43086]

I have been on pred 15 mg to start down to 2 mg about 14 months. Just seen my retina specialist and said pressure is up somewhat since last visit. He said could be pred related. Anyone have a similar problem or any opinion. Thank You

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi 112567,

Yes I did have problems with rising eye pressure levels. Unfortunately can be a side effect of high or prolonged doses of Pred. (Fell into both categories).

The eye clinic at hospital monitored them, fortunately not getting to a point where any action was required, but worrying nevertheless. Last time I saw ophthalmologist - Nov 2014, they were back down to normal (having reduced steroids from 80mg in Apr 2012 to 6mg).

If you are unlucky, you may also get problems with cataracts from Pred. me again!

Having said all the above, I am surprised if your doses have caused your eye problems, they are not all that high or prolonged, perhaps you are just unfortunate. Take care. DL

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Pred does carry the risk of high eye pressure leading to glaucoma. I have optical hypertension in spite of having been off steroids for almost 3 years, but the problem was discovered before Pred in my case and then aggravated further. If your pressures rise too much they can easily be treated with eye drops and, if you are someone who didn't have raised pressures pre-Pred, then hopefully they will return to normal as you reach the lower dose.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is a known side-effect of pred and you should have your pressures checked at least once a year. It isn't the end of the world - it can be controlled with drops and may go away again as the dose falls.

[Bailybiscuit]

It has happened to me and I had to have laser treatment on both eyes. That wasn't succesful so I have eye drops now but twice my pressure in my left eye is too high. I can't get below about 15mg pred before I flare and have been up to 20 mg at times. This has been going on for over a year. I am also on hyroxychloroquine to reduce the pred but it isn't working yet and have been on it 3 months.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bailybiscuit]

Has it been considered you might not have PMR? Hydroxychloroquine is also not commonly used as a "steroid sparer".

[30048]

Yes. I have been on prednisone for three years plus....and have just developed pressure in my eyes. I was put on a nightly eye drop of Latanoprost solution and my pressure has returned to normal.

[magmapearl3]

I was interested to read the comments about eye pressure as a side effect of being on Pred. Could anyone describe what the symptom of eye pressure is please? What does it feel like? I've been on Pred 15 mg for 3 weeks with newly diagnosed PMR and have a strange feeling of pressure or a painless throb or pulsing sensation behind my eyes at times. I had a glaucoma check just prior to my diagnosis which was fine. Many thanks .