Vestnik oftalmologii
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Glaucoma is seen as a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by optical neuropathy with associated visual field loss; one of the main risk factors for its development is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). In the case of drug-induced glaucoma (DIG), patients develop elevated IOP, optic neuropathy and visual field defects associated with the use of certain drugs. Corticosteroids are one of the most well-known classes of drugs that can cause an increase in IOP through the open-angle mechanism. ⋯ It is important for medical practitioners to be aware of this unwanted drug reaction in order to prevent, detect and treat DIG. In the case of drug-induced increase in IOP, if the underlying disease allows discontinuation of drugs, this measure usually leads to normalization of IOP. In cases when the patient's IOP does not normalize after discontinuation of steroids or when they must continue to take corticosteroids, the administration of topical drugs for the treatment of glaucoma should be considered.