Steroid-Induced Cataract Formation

Risk Factors and Clinical Considerations

• High cumulative lifetime doses of inhaled corticosteroids (greater than 2000 mg) may slightly increase the prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataracts, as reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1, 2
• Systemic, inhaled, and local administration of corticosteroids can lead to posterior subcapsular cataracts, with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology noting that inhaled corticosteroids may pose a risk 2
• Patients receiving standard doses of intranasal corticosteroids are not at increased risk for cataract development, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, based on studies of 24 weeks of treatment 3