eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Intraocular Pressure

Glaucoma, Aphakic And Pseudophakic

Robert H Graham, MD, Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

Updated: Feb 11, 2009

Introduction

Background

Glaucoma associated with aphakia, but particularly pseudophakia, are important considerations given the more than 1.25 million cataract surgeries performed each year.

Glaucoma in this article refers to conditions that cause increased intraocular pressure (IOP) soon after surgery as well as to those conditions that occur much later. Examples include viscoelastic-associated pressure rise measured in hours to ghost cell glaucoma occurring weeks after surgery.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology is dependent on the mechanism involved and includes the following: distortion of the anterior chamber angle, viscoelastics, inflammation, hemorrhage, pigment dispersion, ghost cell, vitreous in the anterior chamber (AC), pupillary block (pseudophakic/aphakic), malignant glaucoma, and posterior capsulotomy.

Frequency

United States

Duke-Elder estimated a 12% incidence of postoperative glaucoma in 1969.¹ However, the landscape of postcataract complications has been altered by the advent of the intraocular lens (IOL) and fine wound-closure techniques. In the modern era, the incidence of glaucoma is dependent on both the methodology and the type of IOL used.

For instance, Cinotti has noted an increased incidence of glaucoma after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) (7.5%) as compared to intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) (5.7%).²

Further, Stark has noted that AC IOL (5.5-6.3%) has been associated with an increased incidence of postoperative IOP elevation over iris-fixation (3.9-4.3%) lens and posterior chamber (PC) IOL (1.6-3.5%).³ These figures are consistent with those reported by Hoskins, in which he observed 5.5% in AC IOL and 1.6% in PC IOL.⁴ However, congenital cataract surgeries are associated with a higher incidence of glaucoma, and data range from 6.1-24%.

Mortality/Morbidity

Without good IOP control, glaucoma may result in blindness.

Age

This condition may occur at any age after cataract surgery; however, cataracts are most commonly found in the elderly population.

Clinical

History

The history is dependent on the specific cause of the pressure rise. In general, inquiry into the patient's phakic status as well as the operative course and the use/removal of viscoelastic substances are important historical considerations. For instance, a patient with pseudophakic pupillary block may present with a recent history of cataract surgery complaining of intense pain, red eyes, hazy cornea, and headache.

Also, remember that the clinical presentation may be identical to that of phakic patients and that the specific diagnosis may depend on the historical features described above.

Physical

The ocular examination reveals increased IOP with the accompanying symptoms.

Causes

• Viscoelastic substances
  • The advent of viscoelastic material has allowed greater flexibility in the surgical routine by promoting tissue protection and space stabilization. However, its use also has been associated with pressure spikes in the early postoperative period. For instance, sodium hyaluronate (Healon) has been shown to be associated with maximal IOP spike 16 hours postoperatively in patients undergoing ICCE and a 65% decrease in outflow facility in enucleated eyes. The postoperative pressure spike has not been shown to be relieved with aspiration of the viscoelastic substance. It also has been postulated that small fragments of this substance may become lodged in the trabecular meshwork.
  • Alternative substances, such as methylcellulose, chondroitin sulfate, combination of sodium hyaluronate with chondroitin sulfate (Viscoat), and modified Healon (Healon GV), have been studied but without significant improvement. For instance, chondroitin sulfate has been shown to be 20 times less viscous than Healon. However, Healon GV, a combination of Healon and chondroitin sulfate, has not shown any advantage. Methylcellulose 1-2% has been found to cause postoperative pressure elevation.
  • Whether to aspirate the viscoelastic substance is dependent on the clinical situation and personal creed. For instance, it may be necessary to aspirate in advanced glaucoma to minimize postoperative spike. However, retention and replacement of viscoelastic substance may be necessary in patients presenting with shallow anterior chamber to protect the corneal endothelium.
• Pigment dispersion, inflammation, and hemorrhage
  • Inflammation and hemorrhage are inevitable consequences of surgery, and they may lead to fibrosis and anatomical distortion when excessive. Fibrosis is more common in certain patient populations (eg, diabetes, uveitis), in the IOL (eg, AC IOL, iris fixation), and as complications (eg, retained lens fragment).
  • The clinical triad of uveitis, glaucoma, and hyphema, especially associated with early AC IOL, has been well described as UGH syndrome. Glaucoma is believed to be caused by movement of the IOL against the iris causing the release of inflammatory and red blood cell debris that obstruct the trabecular meshwork. The haptic also may cause direct damage to the trabecular meshwork, thus contributing to the glaucoma. Uveitis was particularly common if metal clip lenses were used. Components of this condition may be reversed if the offending IOL is removed before permanent damage has occurred.
  • Retained cortical material in the AC is another cause of inflammation, which may lead to glaucoma. These are visible as fluffy, white material and may cause a delayed-onset pressure spike. The level and severity of inflammation correlates with the amount of cortical material. Significant amounts of cortical material can be sequestered out of sight in the bag.
  • Aqueous suppressants are helpful to reduce IOP, as are corticosteroids to treat inflammation and to prevent synechiae formation, but this can slow the resorption of lens material. Miotics should be avoided given their tendency to increase vascular permeability, leading to increased inflammation. Surgical aspiration is necessary if medical therapy is inadequate or if phacoanaphylactic uveitis with glaucoma occurs. In such an event, steroids are used to quiet the eye, glaucoma medications are used for IOP stabilization, and complete surgical removal of the cortex is done.
  • Iris pigment can be released by the IOL haptic contact with the iris (especially PC IOL) and clog the trabecular meshwork. This condition is similar to pigment dispersion occurring in phakic patients and can be associated with radial transillumination defects and deposition of pigments on the endothelium (Krukenberg spindle) and zonules. Hemorrhage also can be associated with incarcerated iris vessels, which may be reduced with careful closure.
• Ghost cell glaucoma
  • Late-onset glaucoma secondary to retained RBCs, as opposed to hyphema due to fresh RBCs, can occur over weeks to months. Sequestered RBCs in the vitreous lose hemoglobin (Hb) and become the less pliable Heinz bodies. These cause obstruction of the trabecular meshwork and a pressure spike. The ghost cells do not migrate to the AC, unless the anterior hyaloid face is broken. In such cases, the anterior chamber contains floating tan cells, which may be confused for inflammatory cells.
  • Diagnostically, steroids are not effective, and one may observe layering of tan erythroclasts and fresh RBCs, known as the candy stripe sign. Medical therapy is sometimes effective, but AC washout may be needed. However, IOP usually increases again in 1-3 days, thereby necessitating a vitrectomy to eliminate the reservoir of RBCs in the vitreous in some cases.
• Pupillary block in aphakia
  • Given the paucity of conditions that warrant aphakia today, this condition rarely is seen, except in aphakic patients undergoing additional procedures. Apposition of the intact anterior hyaloid face to the pupil or iridectomy site presenting as iris bombé is the main mechanism for pressure elevation. Predisposing factors include a prolonged period of flat chamber, severe postoperative inflammation, and failure of peripheral iridectomy. As in AC vitreous, posterior vitreous detachment also is a predisposing factor. Eventually, posterior synechiae may develop between the posterior iris surface and the anterior hyaloid face and lead to complete pupillary block.
  • Clinical signs of pupillary block include the following: (1) increased shallowing of the peripheral iris, (2) segmental block/irregular shallowing (eg, loculation of the vitreous behind the iris), and (3) overall shallowing of the AC. The central AC is deep, and forward bowing of the peripheral iris occurs in this condition, which distinguishes it from malignant glaucoma.
  • While Chandler and Grant included increased IOP in their classic description of the clinical findings, others assert that IOP is not a reliable indicator because 50% of patients with aphakic pupillary block had IOP less than 21 mm Hg.⁵ They postulate that IOP in the reference range can be achieved by concurrent conditions, which decrease the IOP, such as uveitis, wound leak, and choroidal detachment.
  • Aphakic pupillary block can occur anytime after surgery, and an increased incidence after congenital cataract extraction has been noted. This may be associated with the increased strength of the anterior hyaloid in this population. Medical treatment includes aggressive dilation, aqueous suppression, cycloplegics, and hyperosmotic agents. Iridotomy and anterior hyaloidotomy ultimately may be required.
• Pupillary block in pseudophakia
  • Pseudophakic pupillary block can be associated with all types of IOL. Risk factors include excessive inflammation causing posterior synechiae (PC IOL and iris-fixation IOL), to direct insult of the trabecular meshwork (AC IOL). Shields notes that the incidence of pupillary block is sufficiently low as to not warrant routine iridectomy with cataract surgery.⁶ However, the following should be considered: iridectomy when excessive inflammation is expected, using iris-fixation lens or rigid uniplanar anterior chamber IOL, or in combination with filtering procedures. Diabetics are associated with increased inflammation and increased thickness of the iris and ciliary body, which may increase the risk of pupillary block. Even a successful iridectomy can be occluded by vitreous, intraocular lens rotation, inflammatory membrane, or lens remnants, and cause pupillary block.
  • The clinical presentation is similar to pupillary block due to other etiologies. Shields notes that (1) IOP is normal unless the patient has concurrent angle closure, (2) increased diurnal variation in the AC depth and IOP is present, and (3) decreased peripheral angle depth is present.⁶ Further investigative methods may include ultrasound biomicroscopy, Scheimpflug video imaging, and optical coherence tomography.
• Aqueous misdirection syndrome
  • First described by von Graefe in 1869, malignant glaucoma denotes a process involving shallowed AC associated with increased IOP. Although typically occurring early in the postoperative period, it can be delayed by weeks or years.
  • Mechanistically, apposition of the ciliary process against the lens or vitreous, posterior diversion of aqueous, and iris abutting against the AC angle by forward displacement of the lens have been proposed. In patients with AC IOL, the mechanism probably involves posterior displacement of the iris against the anterior hyaloid face by the IOL.
  • Complicating 0.6-4% of eyes following surgical intervention for acute angle-closure glaucoma, it also has been associated with the addition of a miotic or cessation of a mydriatic. Malignant glaucoma has been associated in both aphakia and pseudophakia. Pupillary block, choroidal detachment, and suprachoroidal hemorrhage are considered in the differential diagnosis.
  • Historically, the importance of disrupting the vitreous was noted first by Chandler in 1950 when lens removal as treatment for aqueous misdirection was not curative unless vitreous was lost during the procedure.⁵ Today, medical therapy may be curative and includes aqueous suppression, cycloplegia, and hyperosmotic agents. Hyperosmotics decrease the pressure exerted by the vitreous, whereas cycloplegics likely pull the lens back by tightening the zonules. If the condition persists, YAG capsulotomy to disrupt the anterior hyaloid face or the posterior capsule may be needed. Vitrectomy with chamber deepening may be required.
• Nd:YAG posttreatment elevation of IOP: Production of fibrous matrix and contraction of the capsule caused by migrated lens epithelial cells cause visually significant posterior capsular opacification in 50% of patients 3-5 years after ECCE necessitating Nd:YAG capsulotomy. In one study involving 49 capsulotomies, increased IOP was noted in 37 eyes (75%) with pressure peak at 3 hours and average return to baseline at 1 week. Further, patients with preexisting glaucoma were at a higher risk of developing elevated IOP. This has been postulated to be caused by the obstruction of outflow by capsular debris, inflammatory cells, and heavy molecular weight protein. In another study, pressure elevation at 1 hour was correlated with the ultimate pressure elevation. For instance, if the 1-hour elevation was greater than 5 mm Hg, then this was associated with a final pressure elevation greater than 10 mm Hg.
• Distortion of AC angle: Kirsch showed the presence of a white ridge resembling an inverted snowbank in the early postoperative period, which protruded into the AC from the region of the internal lips of the cataract incision.⁷ Whether this represents corneal stromal edema or tight corneoscleral suture remains debated. However, Kirsch showed that this structure was associated with peripheral anterior synechiae, vitreous adhesion, and hyphema, all of which could cause elevated IOP.⁷
• Vitreous in AC: Vitreous can protrude into the AC and block the trabecular meshwork. This condition usually occurs weeks to months postoperatively. Extensive posterior vitreous detachment that displaces the vitreous forward may predispose to this condition. Spontaneous resolution usually occurs in several months. Diagnosis is based on both clinical suspicion and visualization of the vitreous extending into the AC and the trabecular meshwork. If treatment is warranted, mydriatic therapy is effective in allowing the vitreous to fall back into the vitreous cavity, as are aqueous suppressants for temporary relief while the condition resolves.
• Epithelial or fibrous ingrowth is a rare cause of postcataract surgery glaucoma.

Differential Diagnoses

Workup

Imaging Studies

• Imaging studies include ultrasound biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, Scheimpflug video imaging, and optical coherence tomography.

Treatment

Medical Care

Management is dependent largely on the mechanism of the glaucoma. In both aphakic/pseudophakic pupillary block, the initial treatment is mydriasis. This is used to either break the block or enlarge the pupil beyond the edges of the AC IOL. Temporizing measures include aqueous suppressants and hyperosmotics. Miotics can help in the long-term management after the acute phase. Epinephrine is avoided because of the risk of macular edema. Ultimately, iridotomy usually is needed in both cases. In aphakia, the iridotomy must be placed over a pocket of aqueous behind the iris, and this may require multiple attempts. Other options include trabeculoplasty, cyclophotocoagulation, and pars plana vitrectomy.

Preoperatively, the use of external pressure reducers to maintain AC depth and to minimize potential complications (eg, vitreous loss, expulsive hemorrhage) may be considered. However, potential adverse effects of optic nerve atrophy or arterial occlusion must be considered. Careful use of epinephrine in local anesthetic may help to preserve perfusion to the optic nerve.

Judicious use of a viscoelastic substance may help to control a postoperative rise in IOP, whereas carbachol and acetylcholine have both been shown to decrease IOP postoperatively. Notably, carbachol was associated with decreased IOP at 24 hours, 2 days, and 3 days postoperatively. Further, the choice of IOL may influence the postoperative course.

Although dictated by the clinical scenario, one may remember the increased incidence of glaucoma with the early generation AC IOL and iris-fixation lens as compared to the PC IOL. Special attention must be devoted to patients with complicating factors (eg, corneal endothelial cell loss, fibrous endothelial metaplasia, angle cicatrization). A decrease in intraoperative trauma and complications would allow the surgeon increased flexibility in the choice of IOL.

Further, Bomer found a correlation between the surgeon's experience and the rise in postoperative IOP.⁸ Increased IOP has been noted within 6-7 hours postoperatively and usually returns to normal in 1 week. A modest increase in the IOP poses minimal threat in the nonglaucomatous eye; but, if clinically warranted, beta-blockers, acetazolamide, and apraclonidine have been shown to be of benefit. Of these, apraclonidine is more effective if given 1 hour preoperatively. Further, pilocarpine gel also was shown to be effective, although attention must be paid to inflammation.

Surgical Care

Both argon and Nd:YAG lasers can be used in pupillary block and help to distinguish it from aqueous misdirection. Argon laser trabeculoplasty benefit both pseudophakic and aphakic populations, and it may delay the need for surgical intervention by 18 months, although 36-month follow-up examinations were not encouraging.

Iridoplasty is used to alter the peripheral iris morphology when iridotomy cannot be performed. For instance, shrinking the peripheral iris deepens the AC in iridocorneal touch. The posterior capsule needs to be broken to establish communication between the retrocapsular space and the AC. This technique is helpful in retrocapsular pupillary block or anterior aqueous misdirection.

Posterior aqueous misdirection involves deposition of aqueous fluid in the vitreous cavity and is relieved with vitreolysis using Nd:YAG laser. Cyclodestructive therapy using laser (argon and Nd:YAG) or ultrasound has been described. Generally reserved for patients who have failed other therapies, cyclodestructive therapy is performed using transpupillary, endophotocoagulation, and transscleral approaches. Noureddin compared Nd:YAG cyclocoagulation to filtering procedures and showed that, although both reduced IOP significantly, fewer medications were needed postoperatively in the filtering procedure group.⁹

Incisional approaches include filtering procedures and drainage implant devices. Filtering procedures are divided into full-thickness and partial-thickness procedures. Although the full-thickness approach is theoretically superior, study data have ranged from no difference in IOP control to higher complication rates when compared to partial-thickness approaches even when using 5-FU. Shields, on the other hand, notes that trabeculectomy has been associated with increased efficacy and safety.⁶ However, aphakic eyes are associated with an increased incidence of complications and lower efficacy than phakic eyes. Nonpenetrating trabeculectomy (viscocanalostomy) has gained popularity, but no data are available comparing aphakic/phakic/pseudophakic populations.

Artificial drainage implants are divided into valved and nonvalved types. These are especially useful when the likelihood of success from filtering procedures is low. Shields reports a 70% success rate with aphakic and pseudophakic populations with a decline to 50% over 5 years, which is consistent with other reported values.⁶

Medication

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

Beta-adrenergic blockers

The exact mechanism of ocular antihypertensive action is not established, but it appears to be a reduction of aqueous humor production or inhibition of inflow.

Timolol (Timoptic, Timoptic XE, Blocadren)

May reduce elevated and normal IOP, with or without glaucoma, possibly by inhibiting inflow.

Dosing

Adult

1 gtt bid

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

May cause bradycardia and asystole when used in combination with systemic beta-blockers (may cause additive effects)

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; bronchial asthma; sinus bradycardia; second- and third-degree AV block; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Product may have sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible patients; may exacerbate or precipitate heart block, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mental changes (especially in elderly patients)

Alpha-adrenergic agonists

Decrease IOP possibly by reducing aqueous humor production.

Apraclonidine (Iopidine)

Reduces elevated, as well as normal, IOP whether or not accompanied by glaucoma. Apraclonidine is a relatively selective alpha-adrenergic agonist that does not have significant local anesthetic activity. Has minimal cardiovascular effects.

Dosing

Adult

1-2 gtt bid

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

Monitor pulse and BP frequently when giving cardiovascular drugs; not for use concurrently with MAOIs

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; patients on MAOIs or have taken them in the past 14 d

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

May exacerbate or precipitate ocular irritation, topical sensitivity, vasovagal attack, and optic nerve ischemia in patients with advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy

Cholinergic agents

Stimulate muscarinic receptors, causing miosis in the eye and may reduce aqueous humor outflow.

Pilocarpine gel (Pilopine HS)

Directly stimulates cholinergic receptors in the eye, decreasing resistance to aqueous humor outflow.
Instillation frequency and concentration are determined by patient's response. Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strengths.
Patients may be maintained on pilocarpine as long as IOP is controlled and there is no deterioration in visual fields. May use alone or in combination with other miotics, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, epinephrine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or hyperosmotic agents to decrease IOP.

Dosing

Adult

0.5-inch ribbon in lower conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) hs

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

May be ineffective when used concomitantly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; acute inflammatory disease of anterior chamber

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in acute cardiac failure, peptic ulcer, hyperthyroidism, GI spasm, bronchial asthma, Parkinson disease, recent MI, urinary tract obstruction, and hypertension or hypotension

Carbachol (Carbastat, Carboptic, Isopto Carbachol)

Direct acting cholinergic agent that lowers IOP.

Dosing

Adult

1-2 gtt bid

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

None reported

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; acute inflammatory disease of anterior chamber; acute iritis

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in corneal abrasion and in patients undergoing general anesthesia

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) 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 CA in the ciliary processes of the eye. This effect decreases aqueous humor secretion, reducing IOP.

Acetazolamide (Diamox, Diamox Sequels)

Inhibits enzyme CA, 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.

Dosing

Adult

500 mg cap (sequels) PO bid or 250 mg tab PO qid

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

Can decrease therapeutic levels of lithium and alter excretion of drugs (amphetamines, quinidine, phenobarbital, salicylates) by alkalinizing urine

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic disease; severe renal disease; adrenocortical insufficiency; severe pulmonary obstruction

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Patients with impaired hepatic function may go into coma; may cause substantial increase in blood glucose in some diabetic patients

Prostaglandin analogs

Increase uveoscleral outflow of the aqueous. One mechanism of action may be through induction of metalloproteinases in ciliary body, which breaks down extracellular matrix, thereby reducing resistance to outflow through ciliary body.

Latanoprost (Xalatan) 0.005%

Decreases IOP by increasing outflow of aqueous humor.

Dosing

Adult

1 gtt (1.5 mcg) in affected eye qd in evening; higher frequency administrations may decrease effectiveness

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

Coadministration with eye drops, containing the preservative thimerosal, may reduce effects (administer at intervals of 5 min between applications)

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Do not administer while wearing contact lenses; may increase brown pigment in iris and change eye color gradually (unknown effect)

Bimatoprost (Lumigan)

Prostaglandin agonist that selectively mimics effects of naturally occurring substances, prostamides. Exact mechanism of action unknown but believed to reduce IOP by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral routes. Used to reduce IOP in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Dosing

Adult

1 gtt in affected eye(s) hs; not to exceed 1 dose/d

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

None reported

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; signs of inflammation

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

May cause permanent increase in pigment to iris (ie, increases brown pigment) and eyelid; eyelash growth may increase; bacterial keratitis may occur; caution in uveitis or macular edema; do not instill if wearing contact lenses

Travoprost (Travatan)

Prostaglandin F2-alpha analog and selective FP prostanoid receptor agonist. Exact mechanism of action unknown but believed to reduce IOP by increasing uveoscleral outflow.

Dosing

Adult

1 gtt in affected eye(s) hs; not to exceed 1 dose/d

Pediatric

Not established

Interactions

None reported

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; pregnancy; signs of inflammation

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Commonly causes ocular hyperemia; may cause permanent increase in pigment to iris (ie, increases brown pigment) and eyelid; eyelash growth may increase; bacterial keratitis may occur; caution in uveitis or macular edema; do not instill if wearing contact lenses

Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

• Patients should continue follow-up care until IOP is controlled.

Deterrence/Prevention

• Careful surgical technique is indicated to prevent this type of glaucoma.

Complications

• There are multiple causes for this type of glaucoma; the complications depend on the cause.

Prognosis

• The prognosis is dependent on the ability to control the IOP.

Patient Education

• For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Glaucoma Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Glaucoma Overview, Glaucoma FAQs, and Understanding Glaucoma Medications.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

• Prompt identification and treatment of the cause of the glaucoma reduces visual loss.

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Keywords

glaucoma, aphakia, pseudophakia, aphakic, pseudophakic, intraocular pressure, IOP, open angle, closed angle, vision loss, visual deficit

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Robert H Graham, MD, Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
Robert H Graham, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and Arizona Ophthalmological Society
Disclosure: WebMD/eMedicine Salary Employment

Medical Editor

Bradford Shingleton, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School; Consulting Staff, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Bradford Shingleton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

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.

Managing Editor

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

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

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.

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous coauthors, Sai Gandham, MD, and DooHo Brian Kim, BA, to the development and writing of this article.

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