Cataracts and Prednisone

[Sangye]

We've had several members get cataracts due to prednisone. Today I got an email newsletter from JHU that lists the 5 common causes of cataracts. Here's the link to read about all of them. I copied the one concerning pred usage.

I'm sharing this because I was always wondering how much pred caused cataracts or if it was totally arbitrary. I thought others might be wondering the same thing.

Cataract Risk Factor #2: Corticosteroids. Long-term use of corticosteroids, especially at high doses, is the most common drug-related cause of cataracts. In a study of individuals taking oral prednisone for one to two years, cataracts developed in 11% of those taking less than 10 mg a day, 30% of those taking 10 to 15 mg a day and 80% of those taking more than 15 mg a day.

Now you know!

[pberggren1]

I saw an opthamologist once that said pred does not cause glaucoma and cataracts. Needless to say I did not go back to him.

[Sangye]

LOL Good grief! He must've gotten his degree online.

[pberggren1]

Or maybe he did not get a degree? lol

I think I will ask for a second opinion on my toe nails. I will ask my Wegs doc to get me into see the Podiatrist in town here. I am not totally convinced that the nails have to be removed.

[Chris G]

Thanks for that post Sangye, I've been wondering about pred effects on my eyes, for the last couple of weeks. I think it's time to visit the eye doc just to be safe.

[ArlaMo]

That's kind of depressing as I've been on at least 40mg for a year now.

[freakyschizogirl]

I've just warned my mum who's been on Pred for a few years too.

Not to be rude was this survey done on people of all ages??

[Sangye]

ArlaMo-- holy cow. That's not good. You definitely need a Wegs specialist!

Sam-- since JHU quoted the study I assume it factored in the age of the patients. I can't imagine that they'd include people who are already at risk of cataracts due to age.

[delorisdoe]

That's kind of depressing as I've been on at least 40mg for a year now.

get it checked but DONT panic...i was on prednisone for more than 2 years and at times 100mg a day. I was sent to have my eyes checked to makes sure all was okay. halfway through the exam he asked me why exactly i was there. I told reminded him of the wg and the prednisone and he said oh right. he suggested i get tested once a year or as needed while on the prednisone but that my eyes had not at that point suffered.

[Sangye]

Leigh, personally I wouldn't go back to an eye doctor that had to be reminded that you have Wegs. Any of our docs have to be on top of things, knowing exactly what to look for with Wegs. If that diagnosis and your history of pred didn't leap off the page enough for him to have it in mind during the entire exam, it makes me think he can't be trusted with your care.