Corticoterapia: manifestações oculares adversas

Objective: Analyze the adverse eye manifestations using corticosteroids in ophthalmology, presenting the indications and the ways that these drugs can be administrated. Bibliographic review: Corticosteroids are endogenous hormones, produced by the adrenal cortex and can be obtained exogenously by medications. In this context, corticotherapy is applied in a range of pathologies, including ocular. In addition, there are several ways of administration used in ophthalmology, such as: tablets, subconjunctival, periocular, intraocular or intravitreal injections and topical medications. Despite the advantages of corticosteroid therapy in ophthalmic treatments, there is a possibility of adverse effects, often severe and irreversible, related to use, especially in those patients who are taking long-term and / or high doses. Regarding the ocular system, the main adverse effects are increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataracts and, rarely, endophthalmitis and chorioretinitis. Final considerations: It is valid and, in some cases, indispensable, the use of corticotherapy, however, they should be performed cautiously, under medical indication and supervision, based on the clinic and the patient's profile.