June is home to both Cataract and Dysphagia Awareness Months—did you know that both can connect to conditions that may be treated at sinus and allergy centers? The hints: steroid use, sinus sprays, reflux-related mucous, and eye health.

Can Sinus Treatments Affect Your Vision?

Steroids, whether oral or nasal, are often prescribed by providers for sinusitis and severe allergies. Surprisingly, repeated use of steroids can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Common examples of steroids include prednisone (oral) and fluticasone (nasal).

The Cataract Risk

Cataracts are experienced when the lens in your eye becomes blurry, like a foggy windshield. Other symptoms of cataracts include seeing double, being sensitive to light, and having trouble seeing at night. Cataracts can be caused by aging (if you’re over 40, your chances of getting cataracts increase) or genetics.

The effect of steroids may accelerate the clouding of the eye lens, especially with long-term exposure.

The Glaucoma Risk

Glaucoma is a disease that impacts the eye’s optic nerve when fluid builds up in the front, caused by extra pressure. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60, but it’s essential to know that glaucoma can be prevented by early detection and treatment.

Steroids can also raise intraocular pressure, contributing to glaucoma.

Our Top Prevention Tip

If you often use steroid nasal sprays and medications, get regular eye exams. This way, you’ll be able to treat any eye conditions proactively well before they become severe issues.

Nasal Sprays: Are They Safe?

It’s important to know that not all nose sprays are steroids—many are antihistamines and saline sprays used for allergy management and even to remedy a stuffy nose.

While steroid sprays are effective, some still carry a risk if they’re misused or for too long.

Visit your local medical provider for more information on steroids and alternatives. Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center staff in Scottsdale can help.

What Does Reflux Have to Do with Sinuses and Swallowing?

Dysphagia Awareness Month spotlights difficulty swallowing. Common causes include reflux, which can rise into the throat and nasal passages.

Acid and Sinus Symptoms

Reflux that reaches the nasal cavity can trigger excess mucus production, chronic throat clearing, a sore throat, cough, or postnasal drip. The brain then overreacts by producing mucus to “wash” acid back down.

When to Suspect Reflux Is Behind Sinus Symptoms

Some reflux symptoms can overlap with allergies, including throat irritation, drainage, and cough. Red flags to look out for include hoarseness, nighttime cough, and a lump-in-the-throat sensation.

What You Can Do for Cataract and Dysphasia Prevention

Sinus, allergies, eyes, and digestive systems are more connected than people realize, and June, with both Cataract Awareness and Dysphasia Awareness Months, is a great time to learn more about early prevention and care.

Be sure to monitor how long you’re using steroid sprays or pills. Report eye changes (blurred vision, eye pressure) to your provider.

Ask your medical provider about reflux evaluation if you have persistent sinus or throat symptoms.

Ensure you collaborate with the teams at your sinus and allergy wellness center and your primary care/eye doctor to maintain your health. Schedule an evaluation with our specialists at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona today to learn more.