Posterior Subcapsular Cataract in Nephrotic Children Receiving Steroid Therapy

Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was observed in ten of 35 nephrotic children (28.5%) treated with corticosteroid hormone. It was noted that the larger the dose of the hormone used and the longer the duration of treatment, the higher the incidence of PSC. Irrespective of reduction or withdrawal of therapy, the opacities, once developed, remained unchanged during the period of observation. Compared with adults, children tend to develop PSC while receiving a much smaller steroid dose and during a shorter period of treatment. Regular ophthalmological examinations are strongly recommended.