DR. SYED FARAAZ HUSSAIN

DR.VARSHAV GORE

Abstract

Steroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly used to treat ocular and systemic conditions. Unmonitored use of steroids especially in eye drop formulations & skin creams is common in situations when it is easily available over-the-counter (OTC), resulting in undesirable side effects. Chronic administration of steroids in any form with raised IOP can cause optic neuropathy resulting in steroid-induced glaucoma as well as cataract. We report four cases of steroid induced glaucoma that presented to our clinic. The purpose is to create awareness in all clinicians especially ophthalmologists about the potential dangers of steroid use without monitoring the eye and the dangers of irreversible blindness in some instances of habitual self-prescription by patients. It is a societal responsibility to curtail OTC usage of schedule H drugs like steroids.