Which of the following is NOT an ocular side effect associated with long term use of systemic steroids?

Which of the following is NOT an ocular side effect associated with long term use of systemic steroids?

• A. PSC cataracts
• B. POAG
• C. Anterior Uveitis
• D. Secondary infection such as Herpes Simplex

Answer: (C)

Long-term systemic corticosteroids have well-established ocular adverse effects because they influence several eye structures over time. They can cause posterior subcapsular cataracts, where the lens develops a cloudy layer at the back, and they can raise intraocular pressure leading to steroid-induced glaucoma. They also suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections in the eye, including reactivation or new infections such as herpes simplex. Anterior uveitis, however, is an inflammatory condition of the front part of the eye that clinicians typically treat with corticosteroids; it is not caused by the steroids themselves. In fact, steroids are used to reduce its inflammation, not to induce it. Therefore anterior uveitis is not an ocular side effect of long-term systemic steroids.

Long-term systemic corticosteroids have well-established ocular adverse effects because they influence several eye structures over time. They can cause posterior subcapsular cataracts, where the lens develops a cloudy layer at the back, and they can raise intraocular pressure leading to steroid-induced glaucoma. They also suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections in the eye, including reactivation or new infections such as herpes simplex. Anterior uveitis, however, is an inflammatory condition of the front part of the eye that clinicians typically treat with corticosteroids; it is not caused by the steroids themselves. In fact, steroids are used to reduce its inflammation, not to induce it. Therefore anterior uveitis is not an ocular side effect of long-term systemic steroids.