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Published on: January 26, 2018
Secondary glaucoma in patients with uveitis
J Merayo-Lloves1, W J Power, A Rodriguez
1Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Summary
Secondary glaucoma (SG) affects nearly 10% of uveitis patients, often leading to vision loss. Early, aggressive treatment of uveitis is crucial to prevent this vision-threatening complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Uveitis is a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Secondary glaucoma (SG) is a known complication of uveitis.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for SG in uveitis patients is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of secondary glaucoma (SG) in patients with uveitis.
- To identify uveitis subtypes most frequently associated with glaucoma.
- To describe treatment strategies and complications in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records.
- Inclusion of patients with uveitis referred to the Immunology Service.
- Analysis of cases of secondary glaucoma over a 10-year period.
Main Results:
- 9.6% of uveitis patients developed SG.
- Anterior uveitis was most commonly associated with SG (67%).
- Leading causes included herpetic keratouveitis, Fuchs' iridocyclitis, and JRA-associated iridocyclitis.
- Despite treatment, 33% experienced progressive visual field loss or optic nerve damage.
Conclusions:
- Secondary glaucoma is an underappreciated complication of uveitis.
- Vigilance for SG in uveitis patients is essential.
- Aggressive medical and surgical management of intraocular pressure is warranted.
- Earlier, more intensive uveitis treatment may reduce glaucoma development.
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