Glaucoma associated with retinal detachment

Pearls Manager: Andrew Tatham

Retinal detachment is usually associated with reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) but long standing retinal detachment may lead to elevated IOP due to ischaemic neovascularisation. Retinal detachment surgery can lead to IOP spikes, e.g. due to gas tamponade; or to chronic IOP elevation, e.g. due to silicone oil. The trabecular meshwork may also be obstructed by pigment, inflammation or cellular debris from photoreceptor outer segments (Schwartz’s syndrome).

EGS Guidelines, 4th edition, Page 96.

References Gedde SJ. Management of glaucoma after retinal detachment surgery. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2002;13(2):103-9.