The risk of cataract among users of inhaled steroids

Prolonged exposure to inhaled corticosteroids among adults over 49 years ol d has: been reported to increase cataract risk. Small-scale studies of inha led steroid users suggest that no increased risk for children and young adu lts exists. To describe cataract risk among people with asthma who use inha led corticosteroids relative to patients with asthma with no history of cor ticosteroid use, we conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients identified from the United Kingdom-based General Practice Databas e with a nested case-control analysis. Relative to patients who do not use cortico steroids, all inhaled corticosteroid users were at a marginally inc reased risk of cataract: (RR = 1.3). Among individuals 40 years of age or o lder, the risk ratio increased with use of increasing numbers of inhaled co rticosteroid prescriptions after controlling for diabetes mellitus, hyperte nsion, and smoking history. This trend was not evident in those under age 4 0.