The Prognosis of Corticosteroid-Responsive Individuals

Abstract

• Response of intraocular pressure to topical corticosteroid administration is determined genetically, and the genes that determine corticosteroid responsiveness of IOP and primary open angle glaucoma are considered closely related. To elucidate the relationship between corticosteroid responsiveness and primary open angle glaucoma, 35 patients with high corticosteroid responsiveness were followed up without therapy for at least ten years. During the follow-up period, a sustained rise in IOP greater than 21 mm Hg developed in five of 22 originally normotensive subjects. In two cases, glaucomatous field changes were demonstrated along with pressure elevation. Of 13 originally ocular hypertensives, further rise of IOP associated with glaucomatous field changes developed in seven. Results strongly indicate that pressure elevation is more likely to develop in corticosteroidresponsive individuals and that glaucomatous field defects are more likely to develop in responsive as compared with nonresponsive subjects.