Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

The use of topical steroids may induce which of the following conditions?

1. Retinal detachment

2. Cataracts

3. Keratoconus

4. Hyphema

The correct answer is: Cataracts

Topical steroids are known to have various effects on ocular health, and one of the prominent conditions associated with their use is the development of cataracts. Corticosteroids can affect the lens of the eye, leading to lens opacification over time, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. While cataracts can develop for multiple reasons, the association with topical steroid use is well-documented, particularly in populations at risk or those with extended exposure. Other conditions listed may have different risk factors or causes. For instance, retinal detachment is not a direct consequence of steroid use; instead, it can be associated with other ocular conditions or trauma. Keratoconus is primarily a condition related to corneal structural changes and is not directly caused by topical steroids. Hyphema, which involves blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, is typically a result of trauma rather than the usage of steroids. Thus, cataracts stands out as the correct answer due to the well-established connection with the use of topical corticosteroids.