Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Intraocular Pressure in COPD Patients

Background: The extent to which inhaled glucocorticoids increase the risk of intraocular pressure elevation has been controversial.Objective: To assess such risk attributable to fluticasone an inhaled glucocorticoide used in asthma and COPD therapy.Methods: COPD pts. with FEV1 50% on spirometry were identified as candidates for treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, according to GOLD criteria. Patients were divided into 2 groups:Group 1: Received a diskus device containing 50 micro grams of salmeterol (as xinafoate) and 250 micro gram of fluticasone propionate.Group 2: Received the same diskus device but containing 500 micro grams of fluticasone propionate (high dose inhaled corticosteroids). Both groups received treatment. For 12 weeks and their intraocular pressure was measured using Applanation Tonometry before and after treatment.Results: No fluticasone treatment effect on the intraocular pressure was evident in both groups.Conclusion: No association with an increased intraocular pressure was observed in COPD pts treated with fluticasone propionate at daily doses ranging from 500-1000 micro grams for duration of 12 weeks.