Glaucoma, Eye Pressure
& Allergy Steroid Inhalers
For certain patients taking oral steroid medications for
asthma or severe arthritis can actually elevate their intraocular pressure
(IOP) and cause them to develop glaucoma. In the recent past, it has become
very common to treat the symptoms of season allergies-such as a runny nose,
itching and sneezing, with Flonase® (Fluticasone) which is administered with an
inhaler. In fact Flonase® inhalers are now available “over the counter” without
a prescription at your local pharmacy so that you can just buy them and begin
treating yourself. Is it safe to use Flonase® inhalers if you are at risk of high eye
pressure and are you at even greater risk if you have ocular hypertension
or already have glaucoma? According to the results of a clinical study, called
the ICOUGH Study
presented in the Journal of Glaucoma, there was no
clinically significant increase in the average eye pressure in patients with
well-controlled open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension after 6 weeks of
twice-daily inhaled Flonase®. Thus, it is generally regarded as safe to use OTC
inhalers of Flonase® without causing an increased risk of glaucoma.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their risk
of glaucoma or needs to schedule and eye exam including glaucoma testing,
please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center, Google+ or
www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB
Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
