WTF.... Steroids --> Cataracts?

[mmglobal]

I had an eye exam yesterday. I now have grade one cataracts. That is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. It's not too bad. If it gets bad, the cataract surgery is low risk, high success and should be waaaay better than lasik.

I had lasik done a couple of years ago. A few days after the procedure, my vision was great. A couple of weeks later, it was not so much. I've been considering a 're-do' and that is why I was having the exam. The Dr. said that normally they first see a 'trace' of cataracts. (a clouding of the lense) Beyond a trace, it's graded 1 to 4.

He said it's a little unusual for me to go from nothing to grade 1 without stopping at a trace. If it was genetic, I would have had it long ago. If it was age-onset, I'm way too young. He said the next likely cause was steriods. I believe it can be oral steroids and/or injections. I had 8 lumbar epidurals over a span of 3 years in the late 90's. Since 2009, I've been chasing the thoracic pain syndrome that has been ruining my life. This included one big panel of facet injections; 6 levels bilateral. Also, a handful of costo-veterbral injections, intercostal nerve blocks, and 2 thoracic epidurals this year. (Great news... the thoracic epidural have given me some very meaninful relief!!!)

I'm very surprised that with my 17 years of being a spine patient, I've not heard of this. I don't think it would have mattered and I would have still done these injections. But, I would think that as we get into more than just a few injections, that would be discussed as a risk factor.

I'm putting this out here so others having similar diagnostics and treatments might have the discussion with their doctors that I should have had.

Mark

PS, I've probably had 4 or 5 prednisone 'dose packs' during those 17 years, though none recently. These are moderate dose oral steroids.