This was news to me but there is evidence that the corticosteroids used in asthma treatment can cause formation of cataracts. I’ve taken inhaled steroids for 25 years.

quote Corticosteroid use has a pronounced effect on cataract formation, with a marked acceleration in lens opacification. In addition, the type of cataract caused by corticosteroid use, i.e. the “subcapsular” cataract, is particularly visually disabling, as it’s formed in the posterior portion of the lens nearest to the eye’s “focusing” or “nodal” point. In terms of route of administration, topical steroid eyedrops have the most pronounced effect, followed by oral/parenterally administered formulations. Inhaled steroids have also been reported to cause accelerated posterior subcapsular cataracts, but at a much less rapid rate. Although cataracts can cause a significant degree of visual morbidity, they aren’t harmful to the eye’s health and can be corrected successfully with minor outpatient surgery. For this reason, the concern over cataract formation shouldn’t preclude physicians from using corticosteroids in necessary situations. http://www.parkhurstexchang...halmology/2009-10-15

I’ve never worn glasses and still can read ok but have noticed the need for a brighter light when doing so. The most noticeable symptom to me is blurring of night vision. Street lights look like sparklers. I have surgery scheduled.

[This message has been edited by spark1 (edited 10-07-2011).]

That stinks dude. So docs said you have a cataract to remove?
I guess its not too surprising. Long term side effects are really only determined by relaesing drugs and later finding out the side effects.

About 20 years here. Thanks for the info. I've noticed greater difficulty with details, especially under lower light. Always had 20/10 vision, too....

Apparently there are three different types of cataracts; Nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. Nuclear sclerotic is the most common and is kinda the natural result of aging. Cortical is most common in diabetics. Posterior subcapsular is associated with the use of steroids but can also be caused by other things like diabetes. This one can develop rapidly and may be noticeable withing a few months.

There are three options in lens replacement too. The standard type is covered by most insurance plans. Another type is engineered to correct astigmatism and is priced at $1,000 per eye above the amount covered by insurance. Then there is the multifocal type which can correct both near and far vision and eliminate the need to wear any glasses. Those cost $2,400 per eye over what insurance will pay.

quote Originally posted by spark1: This was news to me...

I have known steroids increase the risk of cataracts for 30 years, but I went to pharmacy school and medical school.

By far, it is steroid eyedrops that cause the most. Makes sense. The steroids are applied directly to the eye. A necessary evil for certain conditions.


Long term oral steroids would be the next most likely. But the number of people on long term steroids is small.


"Inhaled steroids have also been reported to cause accelerated posterior subcapsular cataracts, but at a much less rapid rate. " Key words there being MUCH LESS. But also, not zero.

While unfortunate, cataracts can be fixed. The long term effects of untreated asthma cannot. So again, lesser of evils.


Still, sorry that you got cataracts and have to have the surgery.

quote Originally posted by frontal lobe: I have known steroids increase the risk of cataracts for 30 years, but I went to pharmacy school and medical school. By far, it is steroid eyedrops that cause the most. Makes sense. The steroids are applied directly to the eye. A necessary evil for certain conditions. Long term oral steroids would be the next most likely. But the number of people on long term steroids is small. "Inhaled steroids have also been reported to cause accelerated posterior subcapsular cataracts, but at a much less rapid rate. " Key words there being MUCH LESS. But also, not zero. While unfortunate, cataracts can be fixed. The long term effects of untreated asthma cannot. So again, lesser of evils. Still, sorry that you got cataracts and have to have the surgery.

It's just me and about 3 million others this year so I have lots of company.