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Cohort studyOphthalmic epidemiology · 2026

Use of Latency Models to Assess the Association between Use of Topical Corticosteroids (CS) and Incident Cataract among Eyes of Patients with Uveitis.

Bernard A Rosner, John H Kempen

OphthalmologyCohort study

Topical corticosteroid use in uveitis is linked to higher cataract risk when disease is inactive.

Use of Latency Models to Assess the Association between Use of Topical Corticosteroids (CS) and Incident Cataract among Eyes of Patients with Uveitis.

Bernard A Rosner, John H Kempen

Ophthalmic epidemiology · 2026

Background

Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment related to uveitis.

Purpose

We hypothesized that the time of greatest cataract risk following the use of topical CS could be identified using latency modelling.

Methods

Eyes with anterior uveitis were followed over time for cataract in a large retrospective cohort study.

Results

steroid drops raised cataract odds twofold when disease was quiet

HR 5.50 (95% CI 1.70 to 18.10)

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

In periods of borderline activity (grade 0.5+), there was a strong association of CS use in the proximal: HR = 5.5 (95% CI = 1.7, 18.1), but not the distal period.

In periods of clearcut disease activity (≥grade 1+) there was no association of CS use with cataract incidence.

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Conclusion

Topical CS use is associated with higher cataract risk during inactive or borderline disease activity periods, but not during clearcut disease activity periods (during which anti-inflammatory effects may be beneficial).

Post

Use of Latency Models to Assess the Association between Use of Topical Corticosteroids (CS) and Incident Cataract among Eyes of Patients with Uveitis.

Topical corticosteroid use in uveitis is linked to higher cataract risk when disease is inactive.

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