Question:

does prednisone cause cataracts. My son & I both have asthma and have both had to use prednisone. My son has used it more often than I since he has more uncontrolled problems with his asthma. I am 40 and was recently diagnosed with cataracts. Do i need to worry about my son?

Answer:

All corticosteroids, including prednisone, can put patients at risk for developing cataracts. According to several published reports, cataract formation is generally associated with doses greater than 10mg per day continuously used between 1 to 4 years. Children tend to be at higher risk but are more likely to have the cataracts reverse upon stopping the steroids.

You should discuss the risk to yourself and to your son with the physician treating your asthma.

For more information:

Go to the Pharmacy and Medications health topic.