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Bilateral absolute phakolytic glaucoma. A clinical and ultrasonographic case study
P Ruusuvaara1, K Setälä, A Tarkkanen
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Acta Ophthalmologica
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Phacolytic glaucoma can cause total blindness and extremely high eye pressure. Prompt cataract surgery is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss, especially for patients on surgical waiting lists.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Studies
- Cataract Research
Background:
- Phacolytic glaucoma is a secondary angle-closure glaucoma.
- It results from a hypermature cataract causing protein leakage and inflammation.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old patient presented with sudden, total blindness (no light perception) in both eyes.
- Ocular tension was severely elevated (approx. 75 mmHg) with hazy corneas, precluding funduscopic examination.
- Ultrasound revealed a swollen, subluxated lens in the right eye and a luxated lens in the vitreous of the left eye, with excavated optic discs.
Findings:
- The patient had absolute bilateral phacolytic glaucoma, leading to complete vision loss.
- The condition was exacerbated by a significant delay (8 months) on the cataract surgery waiting list.
- Ultrasound imaging confirmed lens-induced complications and optic nerve damage.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for timely cataract surgery to prevent severe visual impairment.
- Monitoring cataract progression in patients awaiting surgery is essential for preventing lens-induced glaucoma.
- Early intervention can avert irreversible blindness from phacolytic glaucoma.