The Management of Secondary Glaucoma in Nanophthalmic Patients

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristcs, management of secondary glaucoma in nanophthalmos, and the prevention of its complications.

Methods: Retrospectively, 9 cases (17 eyes) with nanophthalmic glaucoma were studied.

Results: The axial length of the eyes ranged (14.36 - 19.33) mm; All of the cases combined with hyperopia ranged (+7.00 +/- 16.00) D. All 17 eyes had the manifestation like angle-closure glaucoma. The glaucoma was controlled in 9 of 17 eyes at the early stage, which underwent laser iridotomy (4 of 9 eyes also underwent laser iridoplasty). 1 eye underwent ciliary photocoagulation because its visual acuity was lost and the patient complained of pain. The other 7 eyes underwent filtration surgery and 3 of them had permanent loss of vision caused by disastrous complications after the surgery.

Conclusions: Management of secondary glaucoma in nanophthalmos is complicated. The laser iris surgery is safe and effective in glaucoma at the early stage. Vortex vein decompression, sclerotectomy or anterior sclerotomy may be performed to reduce disastrous complications.