Intraocular Pressure and Visual Fields: Effects of Corticosteroids

Abstract

Introduction Patients with glaucoma who have progressive loss of visual field usually demonstrate elevations of intraocular pressure. The pressure susceptibility to the loss of field varies greatly from individual to individual. In some instances it may be related to the level of systemic blood pressure.^1,2 Attempts have been made to produce rapid changes in intraocular pressure by pressure or suction applied to the globe and to estimate the pressure level at which field defects occur.^2-5 Such approaches have stimulated considerable interest in the posterior segment aspects of glaucoma but have been difficult to standardize or duplicate because of ocular distention, vascular effects, and the lack of steady state conditions. Recently it has been demonstrated that topical corticosteroids decrease outflow facility and elevate intraocular pressure when applied to the eyes of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, of glaucoma suspects, and of some volunteers.⁶ The pressure can be raised