Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: considerations in ophthalmology.

Ophthalmologists, on occasion, take the initiative and the responsibility for prescribing systemic steroids to patients with vision-threatening ocular inflammatory disorders. Examples of such disorders include orbital pseudotumor, scleritis, uveitis, giant cell arteritis and optic neuritis. Preoccupation with the challenge and goal of preservation of vision, coupled with the propensity for some cases to relapse with attempted steroid taper (with resultant need to raise the steroid dose again) can lead to prolonged steroid use without attention to bone preservation strategies.