CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Corticosteroids - topical (skin), nose, and eyes - Management
Basis for recommendation
This recommendation is based on the British National Formulary [BNF 59, 2010], and a drug reference database [Sweetman, 2009].
- Corticosteroid eye preparations should normally be used only under expert supervision, as there are three main dangers associated with their use [BNF 59, 2010]:
- An undiagnosed red eye may be due to herpes simplex virus, and the use of corticosteroid eye preparations may worsen the condition, leading to corneal ulceration and possible loss of vision. The same risks may be seen with bacterial, fungal, and amoebic infections.
- Susceptible individuals may develop steroid-induced glaucoma following the use of corticosteroid eye preparations.
- Steroid-induced cataract may follow prolonged use of corticosteroid eye preparations.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement