A case of accommodation-induced lens subluxation with iris displacement causing intermittent angle closure

Abstract

Purpose: To present an uncommon cause of intermittent angle closure in a young adult patient presenting with intermittent headache and blurry vision exacerbated by accommodation. Observations: A 37-year-old man reported experiencing intermittent blurry vision, headache, and pain in both eyes associated with prolonged periods of reading beginning at age 17. Serial intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements showed an increase in IOP from 14 to 32 mmHg in the right eye and from 9 to 37 mmHg in the left eye after 145 minutes of sustained accommodation while sitting up. IOP did not normalize after laser peripheral iridotomy but did normalize after clear lens extraction. Conclusions and importance: This case characterized a rare presentation of accommodation-induced IOP elevation in a young adult male that resolved only after clear lens extraction. The clinical takeaway was the importance of considering accommodation-associated angle closure in patients presenting with high intraocular pressures, eye strain, and/or headache with accommodative activities. Notable symptoms that should raise suspicion for this syndrome include halos, changes in visual acuity, and headache with accommodation. We suggested that patients presenting with these symptoms be followed closely, with a full glaucoma evaluation including gonioscopy and possible ultrasound biomicroscopy to assess for pediatric eversional angle closure with headache, plateau iris, angle closure glaucoma, and lens-induced angle closure.

Keywords

• Angle closure
• Intermittent angle closure
• Glaucoma
• Accommodation