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Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Iatrogenic glaucoma secondary to medications
M Reza Razeghinejad1, Jonathan S Myers, L Jay Katz
1Wills Eye Institute, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
The American Journal of Medicine
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Medication-induced glaucoma, a preventable cause of vision loss, can manifest as angle-closure or open-angle glaucoma. Prompt drug discontinuation is crucial for managing this iatrogenic optic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Optic Neuropathy Research
Background:
- Glaucoma encompasses primary and secondary forms, with iatrogenic glaucoma from medications posing a significant, yet preventable, threat to vision.
- Adverse drug reactions can precipitate various glaucoma subtypes, including acute angle-closure and open-angle glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which medications can induce glaucoma.
- To identify specific drug classes associated with different types of iatrogenic glaucoma.
- To outline the initial management strategies for medication-induced glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of drug profiles and scientific literature concerning medication-induced glaucoma.
- Categorization of drugs based on their potential to induce specific glaucoma mechanisms (e.g., pupillary block, idiosyncratic reactions, open-angle).
- Analysis of risk factors, such as pre-existing narrow irido-corneal angles and route of drug administration.
Main Results:
- Anticholinergic and adrenergic agents commonly induce pupillary block angle-closure glaucoma, particularly in patients with narrow angles.
- Sulfonamides can idiosyncratic ally cause non-pupillary block angle-closure glaucoma in individuals with open or narrow angles.
- Steroids (especially topical) and certain antineoplastic agents are associated with the induction of open-angle glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Iatrogenic glaucoma is a critical adverse effect of various medications, necessitating careful prescribing and patient monitoring.
- Management hinges on prompt drug cessation, followed by appropriate medical, laser, or surgical interventions as needed.
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