Updated: Nov 6, 2008
Glaucomatocyclitic crisis is a condition with self-limited recurrent episodes of markedly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) with mild idiopathic anterior chamber inflammation. It is most often classified as secondary inflammatory glaucoma.
In 1948, Posner and Schlossman first recognized glaucomatocyclitic crisis and described the features of this syndrome.1 For this reason, the entity is often termed Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS).
Posner and Schlossman identified the following features2 :
Since this original description, other cases attributed to glaucomatocyclitic crisis have been found to deviate from these criteria.3 For instance, some patients with glaucomatocyclitic crisis have abnormal aqueous humor dynamics and may have an underlying primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).4
Additional features that are now recognized are as follows:
Episodic changes in the trabecular meshwork lead to impairment of outflow facility and result in an elevation of IOP. These changes are accompanied by mild intraocular inflammation. In the acute phase of PSS, optic nerve head parameters and retinal flow rates were altered; however, all returned to normal without any permanent damage after resolution of the elevated IOP. Electroretinogram studies in the acute phase demonstrate a selective reduction in the S-cone b-wave.7
Glaucomatocyclitic crisis is a rare condition.
In Finland, the incidence is 0.4 and the prevalence is 1.9 per 100,000 population.8
Prolonged IOP elevation results in damage to the optic nerve head and visual field defects.9
This condition almost exclusively affects individuals aged 20-50 years. Rarely, episodes occur in individuals older than 60 years. Also, rarely, episodes have been reported in adolescence.10
| Anisocoria | Glaucoma, Uveitic |
| Glaucoma, Angle Closure, Acute | Ocular Hypertension |
| Glaucoma, Angle Closure, Chronic | |
| Glaucoma, Primary Open Angle | |
| Glaucoma, Unilateral |
Nongranulomatous iritis
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy22,23
Microscopic examination of trabeculectomy specimens taken at the time of an acute attack reveals inflammation with an abundant mononuclear cell infiltration of the trabecular meshwork. The keratic precipitates associated with PSS have been shown by specular microscopy to differ in morphology from other nongranulomatous fresh keratic precipitates in that they cluster with pseudopods extending between them.
Complete medical care for patients presenting with glaucomatocyclitic crisis includes a reasonably thorough history of present illness, a review of drug allergies and sensitivities, a targeted past medical history and review of systems, a complete eye examination, a careful explanation of the disorder in accordance with the patient's level of understanding, and a commitment to long-term follow-up care of the patient.24
An occasional patient may require a filtering procedure, which is not effective in preventing recurrences of the episodes of iritis but may be useful in the management of high IOP seen with these episodes.6,25,26 For example, a patient with excessively high pressures threatening vascular perfusion would be a candidate for a filtering procedure. No benefit is gained from laser trabeculoplasty.
No restrictions on activity are required.
A combined regimen of a topical NSAID and an antiglaucoma drug is favored. NSAIDs reduce the inflammatory component by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, and antiglaucoma medications reduce the influx of new aqueous; both these effects rapidly control the IOP. This combination also avoids potential IOP elevations caused by steroids in steroid-responsive patients.
Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.
Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.
1 gtt in affected eye qid, followed by taper to optimum clinical response with minimum amount of medication
Not established
Effects may decrease in patients taking phenytoin, barbiturates, and rifampin
Documented hypersensitivity; viral, fungal, or tubercular infections
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in hypertension; known to cause cataract formation with long-term use; suspect fungal invasion in any persistent corneal ulceration where a corticosteroid has been used or is in use (obtain fungal cultures when appropriate)
Reduce elevated and normal IOP.
Criterion standard for ophthalmic beta-blockers. May reduce elevated and normal IOP, with or without glaucoma, by reducing production of aqueous humor or by outflow.
0.25-0.5% 1 gtt in affected eye bid
Not established
May cause bradycardia and asystole when used in combination with systemic beta-blockers (may cause additive effects)
Documented hypersensitivity; bronchial asthma; sinus bradycardia; second- and third-degree AV block; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Product may have sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible patients; may exacerbate or precipitate heart block, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and mental changes (especially in elderly persons)
Reduce IOP by reducing the formation of aqueous humor.
Selective alpha-2 receptor that reduces aqueous humor formation and increases uveoscleral outflow.
1 gtt in affected eye bid
Not established
Coadministration with topical beta-blockers may further decrease IOP; tricyclic antidepressants may decrease effects of brimonidine; CNS depressants (eg, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives) may potentiate effects of brimonidine
Documented hypersensitivity; patients receiving MAOIs therapy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
May exacerbate or precipitate ocular irritation, topical sensitivity, vasovagal attack, and optic nerve ischemia in patients with advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body, including the eye. Catalyzes a reversible reaction where carbon dioxide becomes hydrated and carbonic acid dehydrated. By slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions with subsequent reduction in sodium and fluid transport, it may inhibit carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye. This effect decreases aqueous humor secretion, reducing IOP.
Used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower IOP. If more than one ophthalmic drug is being used, administer the drugs at least 10 min apart. Reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase, reducing hydrogen ion secretion at renal tubule and increasing renal excretion of sodium, potassium bicarbonate, and water to decrease production of aqueous humor.
1 gtt in affected eye bid/tid
Not established
Coadministration with high-dose salicylate therapy may increase toxicity; may have additive systemic effects if patient is already on oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Local ocular adverse effects, primarily conjunctivitis and lid reactions, may occur with long-term administration of dorzolamide (discontinue therapy and evaluate patient before restarting therapy)
Inhibits enzyme carbonic anhydrase, reducing rate of aqueous humor formation, which, in turn, reduces IOP. Used for adjunctive treatment of chronic simple (open-angle) glaucoma and secondary glaucoma and preoperatively in acute angle-closure glaucoma when delay of surgery desired to lower IOP.
250 mg/d to 1 g/d PO
Not established
Can decrease therapeutic levels of lithium and alter excretion of drugs (eg, amphetamines, quinidine, phenobarbital, salicylates) by alkalinizing urine
Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic disease; severe renal disease; adrenocortical insufficiency; severe pulmonary obstruction
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Patients with impaired hepatic function may go into coma; may cause substantial increase in blood glucose in some diabetic patients
Have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action is not known but may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms also may exist, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell membrane functions.
Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which, in turn, decreases formation of prostaglandin precursors. May facilitate outflow of aqueous humor and decrease vascular permeability. Any equivalent topical NSAID also can be used.
1 gtt in affected eye tid/qid
Not established
Additive effect with systemic NSAIDs may occur
Documented hypersensitivity; avoid during pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Corneal thinning may occur
Rapidly absorbed; metabolism occurs in liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation; inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
75 mg PO qd
Not established
Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; may increase phenytoin levels when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity; GI bleeding; renal insufficiency
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Category D in third trimester of pregnancy; acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur (discontinue in persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia)
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Posner-Schlossman syndrome, PSS, glaucomatocyclitic crisis, secondary inflammatory glaucoma, idiopathic anterior chamber inflammation, mild intraocular inflammation, intraocular pressure, IOP
James H Oakman Jr, MD, Partner, Southern Eye Center, Augusta, Georgia
James H Oakman Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Georgia Medical Society, Georgia Society of General Surgeons, and Georgia Society of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Andrew I Rabinowitz, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Ophthalmology, Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center
Andrew I Rabinowitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Aerospace Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Simon K Law, MD, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute; Chief of Section of Ophthalmology Surgical Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, West Los Angeles
Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Martin B Wax, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; Vice President, Ophthalmology Research and Development, Head, Ophthalmology Discovery Research, Alcon Labs, Inc
Martin B Wax, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Society for Neuroscience
Disclosure: Alcon Labs Salary Employment
Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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