[Acute glaucoma caused by massive subretinal hemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration and disordered...

Hemorrhages from subretinal neovascularizations in age-related macular degeneration are not uncommon, but usually limited to the posterior pole. A therapy-resistant angle closure glaucoma following displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm due to massive choroidal and subretinal hemorrhages has rarely been reported.

A 72-year-old female patient was first seen in September 1993 because of decreased vision in the right eye. An age related macular degeneration with an extended untreatable neovascularisation membrane was diagnosed. One year later sudden pain attacks were initiated by secondary angle closure glaucoma, caused by a massive choroidal and subretinal bleeding. At first the IOP could be regulated by drug therapy, however, recurring hemorrhages led to continuously elevated IOP. The reason for the recurrent massive hemorrhages was found to be a disorder of the platelet function. Since the IOP (50-80 mm Hg) could not be controlled any further, we decided to perform a sclerotomy in an attempt to drain the blood. Within one day another bleeding occurred and again led to an increase in IOP. Finally, the patient agreed to have the eye enucleated.

In case of massive hemorrhages in age related macular degeneration a haematological systemic disorder must be included in the diagnostic considerations. If the intraocular pressure can not be lowered neither medically nor surgically, enucleation can not be avoided.