title: Glaucoma induced by periorbital topical steroid use--a rare complication.
abstract: Eye complications arising during systemic and ophthalmic steroid use are well known. In contrast, there is little highlighting the similar risks associated with topical steroid use around the eyelids. We now describe a 29-year-old lady who used topical steroids in prolonged fashion throughout most of her life for severe eczema, with the recent application of large quantities of potent steroid continuously for one month, including to the periorbital region. Soon after, she presented to her ophthalmologist with severe bilateral glaucoma and irreversible visual loss attributed to the steroid use. Here we emphasise the possible risks of periorbital topical steroid use, as well as the importance of patient education and ophthalmological follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Ealing Hospital, Dermatology, Southall, Middlesex, UK. debjani_sahni@hotmail.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Darley
authors.forename: J L M
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hawk
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; C011175:betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate; D001623:Betamethasone