Most persons do not get side-effects from taking a low or moderate dose of cortisone for one or two weeks. People with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, low potassium or active infection are exceptions to this, however. Yet, moderate doses of steroids cause side-effects in almost every individual if taken for as long as eight weeks. There is debate among physicians about whether low doses of steroids cause side-effects. Osteoporosis probably does occur, even with low doses of steroids.
Cataract formation involves a clouding over of the eye resulting in decreased vision.
The lowest dose of cortisone that contributes to cataract formation is unknown. The risks of treatment have to be weighed against the benefits when cortisone is prescribed. Cortisone is not recommended if there is a safer, equally effective therapy available. Yet, there are times when it is worthwhile to take steroids even when side-effects are inevitable. For example, most people would want to take prednisone if necessary to prevent kidney failure.