Inflammatory Glaucoma
What Is Inflammatory Glaucoma?
Inflammatory glaucoma is a type of secondary glaucoma that can be difficult to manage. This is because the inflammation can either increase or lower the intraocular pressure. The inflammation also causes white cells to form in the aqueous humor that can block the trabecular meshwork.
With inflammatory glaucoma, the eye will appear red and may be sensitive to light. There may also be some loss of vision, particularly if the inflammation is severe.
One type of inflammatory glaucoma is uveitic glaucoma. The patient will initially suffer from uveitis. There are many causes of uveitis, such as auto-immune disorders, Crohn's disease, infections such as Lyme's disease, Toxoplasmosis, Shingles, and lymphoma. The inflammation, as well as the steroid treatments used to treat uveitis, can cause a rise in intraocular pressure. The inflammation, as noted above, can block the trabecular meshwork and decrease fluid outflow, while the angle between the cornea and iris (the colored part of your eye) remains open. On occasion, the white cells can bind with proteins in the angle, leading to angle closure glaucoma.
With any type of inflammatory glaucoma, treatment for the inflammation must be aggressive. First the inflammation is treated, usually with a topical steroid such as Pred Forte or Vexol. Oral medications may also be required. Reducing the inflammation may stabilize the rise in eye pressure. However, it may also be necessary to use a topical medications to reduce the pressure.
The Ocular Immunology and Uveitic Foundation notes that, unlike other forms of glaucoma, uveitic glaucomas, especially those in children, do not respond well to medical treatment. Therefore, surgery is often required.
Glaucoma Specialists at Kadrmas Eye Care New England
Meet our ophthalmologists who specialize in the treatment of glaucoma:
