Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
2009-6-14 By Zhang Chaokai
"I have over 400 degrees of myopia. When I first noticed my vision becoming blurry, I thought it was just my prescription worsening. But when the doctor told me it was due to heavy steroid use causing cataracts, that moment was truly hard to accept!" Ms. Zhang, a 42-year-old insurance professional, has suffered from allergic conjunctivitis for years and often bought steroid eye drops from pharmacies for self-treatment. Recently, she visited a clinic due to symptoms like blurred vision, color distortion, and photophobia.
Generally, aside from the most common age-related cataracts, there are many other potential causes, including congenital factors, trauma, metabolic disorders, complications, and medication-induced issues. Drug-induced cataracts, for instance, result from long-term oral or topical steroid use.
Steroids, scientifically known as "adrenocortical hormones," have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The human body naturally secretes a certain amount of steroids daily to maintain normal physiological functions. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, they are widely used in clinical settings for conditions like cancer, cerebral edema, asthma, and meningitis, earning them the nickname "miracle drug."
However, just as water can carry a boat, it can also capsize it. Excessive steroid use can lead to numerous side effects, such as edema, obesity, diabetes, and growth retardation, with cataracts being one of the most feared.
Cataracts occur when the lens hardens and becomes cloudy, leading to symptoms like blurred vision, color distortion, and photophobia. In advanced stages, complications such as glaucoma or uveitis may arise, potentially resulting in blindness.
Currently, no eye drops or medications can definitively prevent or treat cataracts. Therefore, if you experience declining vision that affects daily life, early treatment is recommended to prevent further deterioration.
Additionally, if long-term steroid use is necessary due to medical conditions, follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular ophthalmological check-ups. Avoid purchasing unverified eye drops on your own to prevent worsening the condition.
(The author is the director of Nobel Eye Clinic in Taipei.)
Source: http:/ / www. libertytimes. com. ……new/ jun/ 14/ today- health4. htm
Long-term Steroid Eye Drops Use Leads to Cataracts at 42
"I have over 400 degrees of myopia. When I first noticed my vision becoming blurry, I thought it was just my prescription worsening. But when the doctor told me it was due to heavy steroid use causing cataracts, that moment was truly hard to accept!" Ms. Zhang, a 42-year-old insurance professional, has suffered from allergic conjunctivitis for years and often bought steroid eye drops from pharmacies for self-treatment. Recently, she visited a clinic due to symptoms like blurred vision, color distortion, and photophobia.
Generally, aside from the most common age-related cataracts, there are many other potential causes, including congenital factors, trauma, metabolic disorders, complications, and medication-induced issues. Drug-induced cataracts, for instance, result from long-term oral or topical steroid use.
Steroids, scientifically known as "adrenocortical hormones," have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The human body naturally secretes a certain amount of steroids daily to maintain normal physiological functions. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, they are widely used in clinical settings for conditions like cancer, cerebral edema, asthma, and meningitis, earning them the nickname "miracle drug."
However, just as water can carry a boat, it can also capsize it. Excessive steroid use can lead to numerous side effects, such as edema, obesity, diabetes, and growth retardation, with cataracts being one of the most feared.
Cataracts occur when the lens hardens and becomes cloudy, leading to symptoms like blurred vision, color distortion, and photophobia. In advanced stages, complications such as glaucoma or uveitis may arise, potentially resulting in blindness.
Currently, no eye drops or medications can definitively prevent or treat cataracts. Therefore, if you experience declining vision that affects daily life, early treatment is recommended to prevent further deterioration.
Additionally, if long-term steroid use is necessary due to medical conditions, follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular ophthalmological check-ups. Avoid purchasing unverified eye drops on your own to prevent worsening the condition.
(The author is the director of Nobel Eye Clinic in Taipei.)
Source: http:/ / www. libertytimes. com. ……new/ jun/ 14/ today- health4. htm