Dilated episcleral veins with secondary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

We report a case of dilated episcleral vein with secondary open angle glaucoma. A 65-year-old female presented with redness of both the eyes without any prior systemic history. Her ocular examination revealed dilated episcleral veins and a high intraocular pressure (IOP) of 38 mm Hg in the right eye. Systemic examination was negative for carotid cavernous fistula, low-grade dural arteriovenous fistula, dysthyroid ophthalmopathy, and primary pulmonary hypertension. During follow-up, her IOP remained in high thirties despite maximum medications. She underwent right eye trabeculectomy with partial thickness sclerectomy with sclerotomy. In the beginning, the sclerotomy incision was not deepened into the suprachoroidal space. She developed choroidal effusion during surgery and the sclerotomy was deepened into suprachoroidal space and straw color fluid was drained. Postoperatively, she developed choroidal effusion, which resolved with conservative management. This case highlights the importance of sclerotomy in such cases of high episcleral venous pressure.

Keywords

• Choroidal effusion
• dilated episcleral vein
• partial thickness sclerectomy with sclerotomy
• secondary open angle glaucoma
• trabeculectomy