Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
10:10

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents

Published on: February 15, 2022

Ocular hypertension and secondary glaucoma in children with uveitis

Karen M Sijssens1, Aniki Rothova, Tos T J M Berendschot

  • 1FC Donders Institute of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands. k.sijssens@oogh.azu.nl

Ophthalmology
|May 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric uveitis increases the risk of ocular hypertension and secondary glaucoma. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis and antinuclear antibody-positive uveitis are key risk factors for developing glaucoma.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Uveitis in children can lead to serious complications like ocular hypertension and secondary glaucoma.
  • Early identification of risk factors is crucial for managing pediatric uveitis and preventing vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for ocular hypertension and secondary glaucoma in children diagnosed with uveitis before age 16.
  • To analyze the association between uveitis characteristics, systemic diseases, and glaucoma development.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational case series analyzing 147 children's medical records (256 eyes).
  • Data collected included uveitis type, course, systemic associations, antinuclear antibody (ANA) status, steroid use, and glaucoma onset.
  • Follow-up duration varied, with data spanning from 1990 to 2004.

Main Results:

  • Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) developed in 35% of pediatric uveitis cases within 5 years.
  • Secondary glaucoma was more prevalent in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (38%) and ANA-positive uveitis (42%).
  • Two-thirds of children developed elevated IOP within 2 years of uveitis diagnosis; periocular steroids increased risk except in JIA-associated uveitis.

Conclusions:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis is a significant risk factor for secondary glaucoma in children.
  • ANA-positive uveitis, even without arthritis, is also a major risk factor for glaucoma development.
  • Prompt monitoring and management are essential for children with these risk factors.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...