J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2023 Oct;64(10):945-950. 10.3341/jkos.2023.64.10.945.

Influence of Long-term Oral Steroid Intake on Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

• Jun JW
• Lee JH
• Huh KH
• Lee SY
• Bae HW
• Kim CY
• Choi W

• KMID: 2546816
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2023.64.10.945

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) in patients taking oral corticosteroids for extended periods, and to aid in managing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with these risk factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed involving 690 patients who visited a tertiary referral hospital and had been using oral corticosteroids for more than six months. Patients' demographics, tonometry results, drug type, dosage, duration, ophthalmic history, and the use of glaucoma eye drops were analyzed to determine the risk factors associated with glaucoma or OHT.
Results
In a generalized linear model analysis comparing patients' eyes diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension to those without such diagnoses, no statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of drug type, age, and duration of oral corticosteroid use. However, the dosage was found to be statistically significant (odds ratio 1.09, p = 0.0294).
Conclusions
No difference in the incidence of glaucoma or OHT was found based on the type of oral steroid, age, or duration of use. However, a higher incidence of glaucoma and OHT was observed among patients taking higher doses of oral steroids. Therefore, it is suggested that using lower doses of oral steroids may be more beneficial for managing IOP.

Keyword

Glaucoma, Intraocular pressure, Ocular hypertension, Oral corticosteroids, Steroid dose