Department of Ophthalmology B, Specialties Hospital, CHU Ibn Sina, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2026, 19(01), 105-109
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2026.19.1.0643
Received on 16 February 2026; revised on 02 April 2026; accepted on 04 April 2026
Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic inflammatory disease commonly treated with topical corticosteroids. However, prolonged or unsupervised use exposes patients to steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG), a potentially irreversible condition.
Objective: To highlight the risk of steroid-induced glaucoma in VKC patients and identify contributing factors based on a case series.
Methods: Retrospective study of 21 VKC patients who developed steroid-induced glaucoma following prolonged corticosteroid use.
Results: All patients had a history of prolonged corticosteroid use without adequate monitoring. Mean duration was 8 months. Mean IOP was 32 mmHg, with 75% exceeding 30 mmHg. Advanced optic nerve damage was observed in more than half of cases. Strong correlation was found between duration of exposure and IOP elevation.
Conclusion: Steroid-induced glaucoma in VKC is a silent but preventable complication. Systematic monitoring and rational use of corticosteroids are essential to preserve visual function.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis; Corticosteroids; Steroid-induced glaucoma; Pediatric glaucoma; Ocular hypertension
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Salma Bennis, A. Jeribi, Y. Akannour, F. El Ibrahimi, L. Serghini and E. Abdallah. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis and corticosteroid therapy: The silent risk of steroid-induced glaucoma. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2026, 19(01), 105-109. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2026.19.1.0643.
