Secondary Glaucoma - Causes and Management

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the causes of various types of secondary glaucoma and analyze the efficacy of various management plans for these glaucomas.

Material and Methods: This analytical observational study was conducted at eye department Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi, from June 2005 to June 2007. All patients attended glaucoma clinic were included in the study and their glaucoma was classified and appropriate treatment initiated to achieve the target pressure of 15 mmHg.

Results: In total 106 patient were studied .The number of male patients (66%)was more than the female patients(34%).Most common presenting age group was between 51-60 years forming 28.3%, among secondary glaucomas inflammatory glaucomas were most common (29.2 %). Conservative medical treatment including topical B blockers, prostaglandin analogues, sympathomimetics, miotics, steroids, oral and intravenous hyperosmotic drugs were used. Trabeculectomy was the main surgical option used to control intraocular pressure. Yag laser iridotomies were also done where required. Control of intraocular pressure and visual outcome were quite satisfactory after management.

Conclusion: Causes of secondary glaucomas are diverse, inflammatory glaucoma being most common. They could be well managed if present in time. Medical antiglaucoma therapy plays important role in treatment as well as steroids. Trabeculectomy is quite effective in resistant cases.