Steroids

March 3, 2002

Hi:

I've been lurking for a couple of years, but finally

decided I had to join in - for however briefly. I've

noticed a lot of conversation about steroid creams,

and other steroidal treatments.

Just want to give you benefit of my experience. I've

never used the steroids on my face, however, for a

long time (several years at least), I was using a nasal

inhaler for my sinus problems.

When I went to the eye doctor, my occular pressure

was high and my eye doctor asked if I was taking any

steroids. I had listed all medications for her. When

she saw the nasal spray, she asked if it had a steroid

in it and I didn't know. She checked the book and

indeed it did have steroids in it. She said that taking

or using steroids for any prolonged period can elevate

the eye pressure - and this leads to glaucoma.

I immediately quit using it and spoke to my doctor.

He couldn't believe that could happen, but grabbed

his book and searched, and in small print at the

bottom, it says that 2% of people using that product

(or other steroids) develop glaucoma.

My pressure came down after a month to 6 weeks off

of it. But it scared me to death. I sure don't want

glaucoma. Myeye doctor still has me listed as a

" glaucoma suspect " . (Kinda makes me feel I'm on the

Most Wanted list or something!)

I don't tell you this to scare you, but to let you know

that if you use a steroid for any prolonged period, be

sure to have the pressure in your eyes checked.

ceans are typically allergic to everything that

comes down the pike, and so if anyone is going to have

this problem, we're more likely to have it than others.

Hope this helps someone.

Rowena

RowenaRowena Wall

Freelance Writer

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