Secondary glaucoma as initial manifestation of uveal melanoma

Secondary glaucoma can be induced by a variety of local ocular problems. Intraocular tumors may initially present as secondary glaucoma.

8 consecutive patients with secondary glaucoma were found to have uveal melanoma. Thorough examination included detailed history, fundus examination with scleral depression, B scan ultrasonography, and CT/MRI scanning techniques.

A single case presented with spontaneous hyphema, two patients presented with secondary glaucoma, extraocular melanoma and metastases, a single case was found to have angle block by an iridociliary ring melanoma and 4 cases presented with neovascular glaucoma. Enucleation was necessary in all 8 cases.

General ophthalmologists should be aware of these rare initial manifestations of intraocular tumors as secondary glaucoma. Enucleation would be recommended in most cases of intraocular malignancy manifesting as secondary glaucoma. One should be extremely cautious in doing a penetrating surgery in such cases.