POSTERIOR SUBCAPSULAR CATARACT FOLLOWING PROLONGED ORAL STEROID USE FOR ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: A CASE REPORT
Keywords:
Cataract, Steroid, Treatment, Visual, ImpairmentAbstract
Objective: We present a case of a 27-year-old female trader with a month history of bilateral painless progressive blurring of vision which was worse for distant vision after a 4-year daily use of oral prednisolone (10 mg) prescribed by a non-ophthalmologist. The conventional treatment for ocular allergy includes avoidance of allergens, topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. However, inappropriate steroid use can be associated with undesirable complications.
Methods: A case report of a 27 year old female trader who presented with blurring of vision associated with glare at night. There was history of daily intake of oral prednisolone for 4 years for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Results: Examination revealed posterior subcapsular cataract due to prolonged steroid use. Steroid was gradually tapered and withdrawn over a week and the patient was refracted with good visual improvement.
Conclusion: Steroids should be reserved for severe cases and when utilized should be used as pulsed or short course therapy after baseline examination by Ophthalmologists.
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