Steroid-Induced Glaucoma in Adolescents: Recovery Insights

Steroid-induced glaucoma

Hello, Doctor: My child (in the first year of junior high) had a corneal abrasion in the right eye on October 5th and self-administered steroid eye drops.
On October 6th, the intraocular pressure in the right eye rose above 50 mmHg.
After treatment prescribed by a physician, as of November 11th, the intraocular pressure in the right eye is still fluctuating around 30 mmHg, while the left eye's pressure is between 18-21 mmHg.
I would like to ask the doctor how long it typically takes for such symptoms to return to normal intraocular pressure.
Will lifelong medication be necessary? Should there be a deliberate reduction in studying and exam preparation? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond.

hngchen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/12

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

The duration of treatment varies from person to person.
Generally, if the intraocular pressure remains within normal limits for a period after medication, consideration can be given to discontinuing the medication.
After stopping the medication, a follow-up period is necessary to monitor for any recurrence.
If there is no recurrence, one can be reassured.

Reply Date: 2016/11/12

More Info

Steroid-induced glaucoma is a significant concern, especially in adolescents who may be more susceptible to the effects of corticosteroids on intraocular pressure (IOP). When steroids are used, they can lead to an increase in IOP, which can potentially cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss if not managed properly. In your case, the adolescent's use of steroid eye drops following a corneal abrasion led to a dramatic rise in IOP, reaching levels that are considered dangerously high.

1. Recovery Time and Normalization of IOP: The duration for IOP to return to normal levels after discontinuing steroid use can vary significantly among individuals. In many cases, once the steroid is stopped, IOP may gradually decrease over a period of weeks to months. However, some patients may experience prolonged elevated IOP, necessitating ongoing monitoring and possibly additional treatment. It is essential to have regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist to monitor IOP and assess the health of the optic nerve.

2. Long-term Medication Needs: Whether the adolescent will require lifelong medication depends on several factors, including the extent of the IOP elevation, the response to treatment, and any underlying predispositions to glaucoma. Some individuals may return to normal IOP levels without the need for ongoing medication, while others may require long-term management to keep IOP within a safe range. The ophthalmologist will guide this decision based on the patient's specific circumstances.

3. Impact on Daily Activities: Regarding the need to reduce study time or exam preparation, it is crucial to balance the need for rest and recovery with the demands of academic life. Stress and prolonged eye strain can exacerbate IOP issues, so it may be beneficial to implement breaks during study sessions and ensure that the adolescent is not overexerting themselves. However, this does not mean completely avoiding academic responsibilities. Instead, a modified approach that allows for adequate rest while still engaging in studies may be the best course of action.

4. Monitoring and Follow-up: Continuous monitoring of IOP is vital. Regular visits to the ophthalmologist will help determine if the IOP is stabilizing and if any adjustments to treatment are necessary. The doctor may perform visual field tests and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the health of the optic nerve and ensure that no damage is occurring.

5. Education on Steroid Use: It is also essential to educate the adolescent and their guardians about the risks associated with unsupervised steroid use. Understanding the potential side effects and the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before using such medications can help prevent future complications.

In summary, while recovery from steroid-induced glaucoma is possible, it requires careful monitoring and management. The timeline for normalization of IOP can vary, and long-term treatment may be necessary for some individuals. Balancing academic responsibilities with health needs is crucial, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers will ensure the best outcomes for the adolescent's eye health.

Similar Q&A

Managing Glaucoma and Cataracts: Risks of Steroid Use in Surgery

Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 28, and my intraocular pressure has been controlled around 18. Now at 45, I have been diagnosed with cataracts. Due to my allergy to steroids, using steroid eye drops raises my intraocular pressure to above 35. My vision h...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Dongdong: After surgery, corticosteroid eye drops are generally used, and the reactions to the drops postoperatively may differ from those preoperatively. Additionally, follow-up visits are usually more frequent after surgery, and intraocular pressure may not increase; if i...

Understanding Steroid Use in Eye Care: Risks and Considerations

Hello, Doctor. I previously had recurrent styes, and using a regular eye ointment (without steroids) and eye drops helped them disappear in about 4 to 5 days. However, there was one occasion when a stye was particularly large, and after applying treatment for two weeks without im...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids and their effects on the eyes: Using a corticosteroid cream for six weeks can indeed have a certain degree of impact on the eyes. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation, but prolonged use carries a low risk of increasing the c...

Understanding Steroid Eye Drops: Why Do They Cause Temporary Blurriness?

Hello, Doctor Gao. I have an allergic constitution and seborrheic dermatitis, which often leads to blepharitis. Every time I visit an ophthalmologist, they prescribe Salon and Hu-Kang Vision (0.1% steroid) eye drops, but I mostly use antibiotic eye drops, only resorting to steroi...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It is normal for steroid solutions to appear as a suspension, which may contain fine white particles.

Can Long-Term Steroid Eye Drops Cause Microvascular Dilation?

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about my mother, who has been using steroid eye drops for nearly 8 months due to uveitis. In the later stages, her eyes have become quite red. She has stopped using the eye drops for nearly 20 days now, but her eyes remain red. I found some i...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Jerry: Uveitis can cause redness in the eyes, and mild cases may not always result in blurred vision. It is advisable for your mother to return for a follow-up examination to check for any flare-ups. If necessary, corticosteroids may still be required. The ophthalmology dep...