If topical steroids used on eyebrows for FFA is there an increased risk of cataracts? Or is risk only from steroid injections?

Question

Steroids are often prescribed to treat hair loss from FFA. I have read that steroid injections into the eyebrow area can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Does this increased risk of cataracts also occur with the use of topical steroids like Lyderm gel three times per week on the eyebrow area? Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Risks from steroid injections depend on multiple factors, this is something that would need to be discussed on a per case basis with your physician. See an expert to discuss risks and alternatives. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In a study performed to determine the risk of periorbital corticosteroids leading to cataracts, it was found to be possible but extremely rare. If you are concerned, you can substitute PRP, minoxidil or bimaprost to treat your eyebrows. Another option would be to decrease the corticosteroids to every other day.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself Verified All-star

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Great Question! It really comes down to how much steroid is used and how long it’s used for. Let’s pause to consider an example for a moment. Imagine that you are meeting two people for lunch in an hour. Let’s call them Nancy and Lisa. Nancy has been a competitive skier for 50 years and has spent her life skiing all sort of tough ski terrain, jumps, moguls and flips. She skis three times per week and has been doing so for 50 years.  Your other friend Lisa also enjoys the sport of skiing. Lisa used to ski three times per week when her kids were small but now doesn’t ski that much.  Which of these two friends is more likely to have required a knee replacement (assuming other factors are similar)?Now consider two patients who you meet in the office. Let’s call them Lisa and Nancy. Lisa used Lyderm three times per week for 6 months and used only a small amount each time. After 6 months of use she went down to using Lyderm 2 times per week for 6 more months also started using a non steroid cream called pimecrolimus (Elidel). Now for the past 6 months she’s using the Lyderm just once weekly.  Nancy on the other hand has used Lyderm three times per week for 10 years and is afraid to stop. Which patient has the highest chance for steroid related cataracts?When used properly for short periods of time and with limited dosing, it’s uncommon that topical steroid use on the eyebrow contributes all that much to cataract risk.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Steroid injections could possibly lead to cataracts but that would be extremely rare. You have other options like using Minoxidil, PRP, or even makeup. Best wishes.Dr. T

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

It would be unlikely that steroid use on your eyebrows would product cataracts as the treatment period is limited

If topical steroids used on eyebrows for FFA is there an increased risk of cataracts? Or is risk only from steroid injections?

Answers (5)

Answer: Eyebrow Thinning

Answer: Eyebrow Thinning

Answer: Steroids for FFA in eyebrows

Answer: Steroids for FFA in eyebrows

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If topical steroids used on eyebrows for FFA is there an increased risk of cataracts? Or is risk only from steroid injections?

Answers (5)

Answer: Eyebrow Thinning

Answer: Eyebrow Thinning

Answer: Steroids for FFA in eyebrows

Answer: Steroids for FFA in eyebrows

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.