Steroids are compounds that are similar to hormones excreted by the adrenal glands. These compounds are known to reduce inflammation but can also results some side effects. Doctors who prescribe steroids try to address the patients’ health with minimal steroid dose over the shortest possible time in order to avoid adverse reactions.
From WebMD:
It has been half a century since glucocorticoids were first prescribed. Now we call them corticosteroids, or simply steroids, or just ‘roids‘ (for fans of Major League Baseball!)
Steroids are chemicals similar to hormones produced by the adrenal glands atop the kidneys. These powerful drugs are a double-edged sword because they quickly relieve inflammation but at the same time can cause complications elsewhere in the body. Chronic steroid use can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, fragile bones, poor tissue healing, mental confusion, and increased susceptibility to infection. Doctors know about these problems and try to manage the patients’ health problems with the minimal steroid dose over the shortest possible time.
Steroids can be administered in pill form, intravenously, injectable (preferred by athletes), as well as though oral/nasal inhalers and eyedrops.
We know that one-in-ten people who take long-term steroids such as Prednisone can experience a rise in their intraocular pressure (IOP). We call these folks STEROID RESPONDERS. Serial IOP measurements are required in order to confirm that diagnosis.
Now, what if an existing glaucoma patient is also a steroid responder? There can be a dangerous IOP rise. This can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve…the ‘TV cable’ which connects the eye with the brain.
If you have eye disorder such as glaucoma and you experience intraocular pressure, you must be very cautious in using steroids over a long period of time because it may develop permanent damage in your optic nerves.
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