Glaucoma & Steroids: Severity Link Explained
- — A recent study presented at Kiawah Eye 2025 indicates that patients with more severe glaucoma are more prone to steroid-induced ocular hypertension.
- R. Bryce Robbins noted that early studies suggested steroid response in approximately one in eight patients undergoing MIGS procedures.
- The retrospective chart review by Robbins and colleagues included 143 eyes from 101 patients who had undergone angle-based MIGS.
News from Kiawah Island reveals a critical link: Patients with more severe glaucoma face a heightened risk of steroid-induced ocular hypertension. Dr. Robbins’ recent study, presented at Kiawah Eye 2025, shows those with advanced glaucoma are significantly more likely too experience IOP spikes after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The research emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring, particularly after MIGS procedures, revealing that 45.5% of steroid responders had severe glaucoma and that the number of prior glaucoma surgeries also increased the likelihood of a steroid response. These findings underscore the need for more personalized post-operative management. Read more at News Directory 3. discover what’s next in glaucoma treatment advancements.
Glaucoma Severity Linked to Steroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension
Updated May 30, 2025
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — A recent study presented at Kiawah Eye 2025 indicates that patients with more severe
glaucoma are more prone to steroid-induced ocular hypertension. The research highlights the importance of
considering intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes, especially after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
Dr. R. Bryce Robbins noted that early studies suggested steroid response in approximately one in eight patients
undergoing MIGS procedures. he emphasized the need for further research to identify clinical and demographic
predictors of steroid response, notably in glaucoma patients.
The retrospective chart review by Robbins and colleagues included 143 eyes from 101 patients who had
undergone angle-based MIGS. The study categorized 33 patients as steroid responders, defined by an IOP increase
of at least 5 mm Hg from baseline during steroid use, which resolved after tapering.
The study found that 45.5% of steroid responders had severe glaucoma (P = .01). Additionally, patients with
more prior glaucoma surgeries or those on more pre-operative glaucoma medications were more likely to be steroid
responders (P = .03 and P = .008, respectively). Lower visual field mean deviation scores and reduced average
retinal nerve fiber layer thickness also correlated with a higher likelihood of steroid response (P = .003 and P
= .006, respectively).
robbins reported no important difference in steroid response across various MIGS procedures. He also noted
that the rates of secondary surgical interventions were similar between steroid responders and non-responders.
“Some early studies suggested that approximately one out of eight patients have a steroid response in some MIGS
[procedures],” Robbins said.“More studies are needed to determine both the clinical and demographic
predictors of steroid response, particularly in our glaucoma patient population.”
What’s next
Further research is anticipated to refine the understanding of risk factors for steroid-induced ocular
hypertension after glaucoma surgery, perhaps leading to more tailored post-operative management strategies.