From the Guidelines
Steroid eyelash serums can cause significant complications, including increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and cataracts, especially with prolonged use around the eye. The use of topical corticosteroids, even in the form of eyelash serums, poses risks of local and systemic side effects. According to the guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis 1, the toxicities associated with topical corticosteroids include local effects such as skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, purpura, contact dermatitis, and rosacea, as well as systemic effects like hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, which can be mitigated by intermittent or localized use.
Some of the key complications to consider when using steroid eyelash serums include:
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Local skin complications such as fat and/or dermal atrophy and pigmentary changes
- Adrenal suppression, particularly with high doses or prolonged use
It's essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits of using steroid eyelash serums, especially considering the delicate area of application around the eyes. The risk of complications increases with excessive frequency or duration of use, as noted in the guidelines 1. Given the potential for serious ocular side effects, it's crucial to exercise caution and consider alternative treatments or consult with an eye care professional before initiating use, especially for individuals with pre-existing eye conditions or certain skin sensitivities.
The most recent and relevant evidence regarding the use of corticosteroids around the eyes comes from studies focusing on the management of conditions like infantile hemangiomas 1 and atopic dermatitis 1, which highlight the importance of careful consideration and monitoring when using corticosteroids in sensitive areas. However, the specific context of steroid eyelash serums necessitates a focus on ocular health and the potential for increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and cataracts, as emphasized in earlier guidelines 1.
From the Research
Complications of Steroid (Corticosteroid) Eyelash Serums
- There are no direct research papers on the complications of steroid (corticosteroid) eyelash serums. However, some studies discuss the side effects of prostaglandin analogs and corticosteroids in general.
- Prostaglandin analogs, which are often used in eyelash serums, can cause periorbital fat and volume loss, as seen in a study published in 2022 2.
- Corticosteroids, in general, can cause a range of complications, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, adrenal insufficiency, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and immunological or infectious diseases 3.
- Systemic steroid use is a significant risk factor for increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and the incidence of ocular hypertension may rise to 30%-40% of the general population due to topical or systemic glucocorticoid usage 4.
- While there is a study on eyelash serums, it does not specifically discuss the complications of steroid (corticosteroid) eyelash serums, but rather provides a comprehensive review of eyelash serums in general, including their proposed benefits and adverse effects 5.
Specific Complications
- Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is a well-known complication of systemic steroid administration, and can also occur with inhalational corticosteroids (ICS) or intranasal steroids (INS), especially in those taking cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) inhibitors 6.
- Ocular hypertension is a potential complication of corticosteroid use, and patients with Cushing's disease are at increased risk of developing ocular hypertension 4.