It is the type of glaucoma that occurs secondary to long term steroid intake (Topical, inhalational, oral, or any other route)
There are basically two terms under this umbrella of secondary glaucoma.
- Steroid induced ocular hypertension
- Steroid induced glaucoma
Steroid induced ocular hypertension
It is the condition where steroid intake has caused the intraocular pressure or the eye pressure to increase. But there are no optic nerve head and visual field changes to call it glaucoma.
These patients are called steroid responders in some literature.
Usually, the intraocular pressure comes back to normal, once the steroids are discontinued. Although, there is an increased risk of developing glaucoma in these patients in the future. Hence, regular follow-up is necessary.
Steroid induced Glaucoma
If the steroids are continued for a long time in steroid responders, and rarely in some even with short time, glaucoma develops.
In this disease, additional to stopping steroids, glaucoma management has to be started. This is because, once glaucoma develops, it most likely only progresses.