August 11, 2006

A PENSIONER is in danger of losing her sight after buying medicine over the internet.

The 64-year-old bought steroids from Thailand to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, which she diagnosed herself.

However, she suffered a loss of vision over six months before going to see a doctor who told her she had cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, and glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve. Both potentially blinding conditions were caused by steroid use, and she now faces a cataract operation and treatment for the rest of her life.

Today, doctors warned against taking medicines purchased over the web.

The case was highlighted in The Lancet medical journal by two specialists from Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

Doctors Philip Severn and Scott Fraser wrote in an article: "It has long been accepted that any physician prescribing steroids should be aware of the potential ocular side effects.

"However, patients are now able to browse the internet and purchase medications freely.

"Practitioners need to be more aware of the problems associated with self-directed internet-purchased medication."