Cataract development as a complication of corticosteroid treatment in a young patient with ulcerative colitis

Ocular manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are well known for more than 80 years. A number of ocular complications including glaucoma and uveitis have been described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving corticosteroids. On the other hand, systemic toxic effects may develop as a result of topical and local use of ophthalmic corticosteroid preparations in susceptible patients. To further emphasize the relation between corticosteroid treatment and ocular side-effects, a rare case of steroid-induced cataract and glaucoma after wearing soft contact lens soaked in steroid, has recently been described.