What is a possible side effect of long-term systemic steroids?

What is a possible side effect of long-term systemic steroids?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Diabetes
• D. Retinal detachment

Answer: (A)

Long-term use of systemic steroids can lead to the development of cataracts, which is the correct answer. Steroids can cause changes to the proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to clouding that characterizes cataracts. This condition may develop over time, particularly in individuals who have been using high doses or prolonged therapy with corticosteroids. While the other options are also potential side effects associated with long-term steroid use, cataracts specifically are a well-documented consequence. Glaucoma can indeed occur due to increased intraocular pressure from steroid use, and diabetes may be exacerbated or induced by systemic steroids affecting glucose metabolism. Retinal detachment is a less common issue linked to steroid use and is not as directly associated as cataracts. Therefore, cataracts remain a prominent and recognized risk, making it a key focus in discussions about the side effects of long-term systemic steroid therapy.

Long-term use of systemic steroids can lead to the development of cataracts, which is the correct answer. Steroids can cause changes to the proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to clouding that characterizes cataracts. This condition may develop over time, particularly in individuals who have been using high doses or prolonged therapy with corticosteroids.

While the other options are also potential side effects associated with long-term steroid use, cataracts specifically are a well-documented consequence. Glaucoma can indeed occur due to increased intraocular pressure from steroid use, and diabetes may be exacerbated or induced by systemic steroids affecting glucose metabolism. Retinal detachment is a less common issue linked to steroid use and is not as directly associated as cataracts. Therefore, cataracts remain a prominent and recognized risk, making it a key focus in discussions about the side effects of long-term systemic steroid therapy.