Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & objectives: Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease and shown an apparent increase in recent years. The systemic bioavailability of inhaled corticosteroids is depended on the amount of drug absorbed by the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. This might cause systematic side effects and lead to increase in intra ocular pressure or lenticular changes in lens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ophthalmologic side effects of inhaled corticosteroids in children with chronic asthma. Material & Methods: children between 2 and 12 years old who suffered from chronic asthma with inclusion criteria after performing ophthalmologic examinations were entered the study. All of them had the indications of starting inhaled corticosteroids in three different doses (mild, moderate and high). Follow up ophthalmologic examinations was performed after 6 months. Data was analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Mean age of children was 6.4±2.8 years. Mean IOP was13.42± 1.29 and 13.43±1.25 mmhg in male and female children, respectively and this difference was not significant (P=0.541). Visual acuity was respectively 10 and 10±3.57in girls and boys and this was not significant (P=0.229). Intra ocular pressure and lens did not have pathologic changes in children after inhaled corticosteroids usage. Conclusion: Inhaled corticosteroids have ignorable ophthalmologic side effects and are safe drugs in children with chronic asthma.