Abstract: The mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-induced cataract formation are complex. Glucocorticoids can exacerbate oxidative stress by impairing antioxidant capacity, leading to lens degeneration. Additionally, they upregulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributing to lens fibrosis, while reducing the expression of the structural protein vimentin, thereby diminishing lens stability and transparency. Glucocorticoids also mediate cataract development through mechanisms such as disrupting ion channel transport, inactivating Na-K-ATPase, regulating apoptosis, and inducing abnormalities in cellular molecules. Therapeutic interventions, including the use of drugs like methotrexate, and reducing glucocorticoid dosage may help lower the incidence of glucocorticoid-induced cataracts.

Key words: Glucocorticosteroid, Cataract