Multimodal etiology of drug induced angle closure with topical glaucoma therapy

Abstract

Purpose: We present a case of acute onset of bilateral choroidal effusions leading to angle closure glaucoma attributed to multiple mechanism of actions causing ciliary body and aqueous flow disruption in the setting of topical glaucoma therapy with latanoprost, brimonidine 0.2%, and Brinzolamide 0.1%. Observation: The patient presented with ocular hypertension in the setting of bilateral choroidal effusions, leading to angle closure without pupillary block. After cessation of the glaucoma drops and starting steroids and cycloplegics, the patient's symptoms resolved. Conclusions and importance: This case report highlights the various physiological mechanisms of action that can induce angle closure glaucoma from commonly used topical medications for glaucoma treatment. Thus, a keen awareness is warranted of this idiosyncratic reaction in order to avoid morbidity and long term vision loss.

Keywords

• Drug-induced glaucoma
• Acute angle closure
• Choroidal effusions
• Brimonidine
• Uveitis