Abstract
Purpose: :
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known complication of topical steroids. This study evaluated the age and axial length of steroid responders following cataract surgery.
Methods: :
A retrospective chart review included 1642 eyes with uncomplicated cataract surgery during a one calendar year period from a single ophthalmology practice. All patients received topical 1% prednisolone acetate postoperatively. In addition to axial length and patient age, the IOP from the following time intervals was recorded: preop, postoperative day 1, and within the first postoperative month. A steroid responder was defined as having an IOP rise > 25% while on topical prednisolone (minimum 28 mmHg) followed by an IOP drop > 25% when prednisolone was discontinued. Steroid responder eyes were then compared to non-responder eyes based on age and axial length.
Results: :
Thirty eight eyes were diagnosed as steroid responders. Final data analysis is pending, but showed that younger age and longer axial length were associated with a higher risk of steroid response - particularly for an IOP rise to > 40 mmHg.
Conclusions: :
Young myopes should be more carefully monitored for a postoperative steroid response following uncomplicated cataract surgery.
Keywords: corticosteroids • intraocular pressure • cataract