The pattern of intraocular pressure elevation in a specialized uveitis clinic

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and risk factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients attending a specialized uveitis clinic during a 6-month duration. Materials and methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a specialized uveitis clinic, in Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University. Patients with acute or chronic uveitis were included in the study. Patients with transient postoperative uveitis, masquerade syndrome, or presenting with glaucoma before the onset of uveitis were excluded. A comprehensive history was taken and all patients were subjected to full ophthalmological examination. Patients were considered to have ocular hypertension if the IOP was 21 mmHg or more without evidence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy or visual field changes, while those with evidence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy or visual field changes were considered to have secondary glaucoma. Results Eighty-four patients with a mean age of 30.76±12.77 years were included. The IOP was elevated in 35 (44 eyes) patients. Among 44 eyes, seven (15.9%) eyes developed glaucoma and 37 (84.1%) eyes were having ocular hypertension. Elevated IOP was significantly associated with closure of the anterior chamber angle (P<0.001), activity of the disease (P<0.001), and route of steroid intake (P<0.001). Conclusion Closure of anterior chamber angle, activity of inflammation, and route of steroid intake are considered as risk factors for the development of elevated IOP in uveitic patients. At-risk eyes should be monitored more frequently to avoid development of secondary glaucoma which represents a challenge.

Keywords

• glaucoma
• gonioscopy
• ocular hypertension
• risk factors
• uveitis