Lens-Associated Glaucomas

Abstract

Abnormalities of the crystalline lens may incite elevation of intraocular pressure often accompanied by significant intraocular inflammation. These pathologic conditions are traditionally known as phacogenic or lens-induced glaucomas (Appleton, Lowrey, Am J Ophthalmol 47: 682, 1959). Three of these entities, (1) phacolytic glaucoma, (2) lens particle glaucoma, and (3) lens-induced uveitis or phacoanaphylaxis, are considered secondary open-angle glaucomas since they are associated with obstruction of aqueous outflow at the level of the trabecular meshwork. In contrast, phacomorphic glaucoma and lens displacement glaucoma are considered secondary narrow-angle glaucomas, as they result in narrowing of the iridocorneal angle due to pretrabecular outflow obstruction from either anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm or pupillary block.