Corticosteroids and Intraocular Pressure

Introduction The finding of γ-globulin and plasma cells in the trabecular meshwork of glaucomatous eyes suggested an immunogenic component.1,2The present study was undertaken to determine, under controlled conditions, the effect of topical corticosteroids in the eye with primary open-angle glaucoma. Corticosteroids have been incriminated in the exacerbation or production of the glaucomatous state.3-7Such reports were largely concerned with glaucoma occurring during the course of uveitis and were difficult to interpret. Several authors have demonstrated no effect of steroids on intraocular pressure.8,9,10In a controlled study of topical steroids in nurses, Linnér11noted a small but significant increase in intraocular pressure without change in outflow facility. François12and Goldmann13have recorded glaucomatous states after prolonged topical steroid therapy, but these were considered rare occurrences. Recently Bernstein and Schwartz14found that patients on long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy showed significantly higher mean applanation pressures