Prolonged topical steroid use in the eye can cause which type of cataract?
- A Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) ✓
- B Nuclear sclerotic cataract
- C Anterior subcapsular cataract
- D Anterior polar cataract
Correct answer: A. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC)
Explanation
Topical (and systemic) corticosteroids classically cause posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). The exact mechanism involves steroid-induced inhibition of lens epithelial cell differentiation and accumulation of abnormal fibre cells at the posterior pole beneath the capsule. This is also the pattern seen in diabetes, radiation exposure, and atopic disease. Nuclear sclerosis is age-related. Anterior subcapsular cataract occurs after blunt trauma or in atopic disease. Anterior polar cataracts are congenital.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.