Angel-closure glaucoma following scleral buckling operations

We have observed 22 patients with angle-closure glaucoma following scleral buckling operations. These patients did not have narrow anterior chamber angles preoperatively, and several were aphakix with surgical iris colobomas. The angle-closure glaucoma was manifest by a hazy cornea, elevated intraocular pressure, closed angle, absence or iris bombé, and presence of choroidal detachments. Treatment with cycloplegics and corticosteroids was more effective than treatment with miotics. A likely pathogenic mechanism is congestion and swelling of the ciliary body due to a temporary interference by the scleral buckle with venous drainage. Episcleral implants accounted for a statistically significant higher incidence of angle-closure glaucoma as compared to intrascleral implants.