If you've noticed your vision seems a bit off lately, or you're wondering whether you really need to see an eye doctor while taking steroids, you're not alone. Yes, steroids can affect your eyes, and yes, monitoring matters. They particularly increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye) and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve). 

But here's the good news: there are simple things you can do to protect your vision, and catching problems early makes them much easier to manage.

 

What to watch for

Pay attention to these warning signs and flag them to your doctor:

  • Blurry or clouded vision that doesn't clear up
  • Halos or glare around lights, especially at night
  • Colors starting to appear faded or less vibrant
  • Straight lines looking bent or wavy
  • A dark or gray spot in the center of your vision
  • Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • Eye pain, redness, or light sensitivity

Even mild symptoms are worth mentioning. One patient initially dismissed small changes and headaches as "just tired eyes," only to discover these were early signs of glaucoma that could have been treated if it had been caught early enough.

 

Schedule regular eye exams

If you haven't had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, consider scheduling one now. Tell your eye doctor you're taking steroids. They'll check your eye pressure (to screen for glaucoma) and look for early cataracts, often before you notice symptoms. Most people on long-term steroids need exams yearly, sometimes every six months.

 

Talk to your doctors

Make sure both your eye doctor and prescribing doctor know about your steroid treatment and any vision changes. Come prepared with your medication list (including dose and duration) and your Journey Tracker. If eye problems develop, your doctors may be able to adjust your dose or explore alternatives.

 

Never stop or reduce steroids on your own - they must be tapered safely.

 

Why this matters

Again, steroids can increase your risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Glaucoma is called the "silent thief of sight" because it often has no symptoms until significant damage occurs. That's why regular pressure checks are crucial. When caught early, both conditions can be managed effectively.

 

The bottom line

Protecting your vision comes down to three things: know what to watch for, monitor regularly (at home and professionally), and communicate promptly with your healthcare team. Many Sam visitors have maintained healthy vision throughout steroid treatment by staying vigilant. Your eyes are worth the effort.

 

To learn more about how steroids can affect your eye health, click here.

Remember, always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle to ensure the best care for your specific health needs.