The Damage of Ocular Surface Due to Uncontrolled Intraocular Pressure in Neovascular Glaucoma

Abstract

Neovascular Glaucoma (NVG) is a severe form of glaucoma characterized by neovascularization and the proliferation of fibrovascular tissue in the anterior chamber angle. Patients with NVG generally present with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and may experience severe pain. Ocular surface is affected by high IOP and can lead from moderated to marked conjunctival congestion that is frequently associated with edematous cornea. The aim of the study is to show how the high IOP can affect the ocular surface of the NVG patients and how we can treat and prevent the suffering. Materials and methods: We took in the study a number of 38 eyes from 35 patients with NVG in stage 3 with angle closure glaucoma, that presented high IOP and impaired ocular surface. Results and discussions: The ocular surface was damaged in patients that presented IOP between a minimum of 38 mmHg and maximum of 89 mmHg. The symptoms that patients presented were: conjunctival congestion in particular perikeratic, epithelial and stromal corneal edema, epithelial bubble, corneal ulcerations. Treatment followed rapid drop in IOP and the restoration and protection of ocular surface. The management of neovascular eye with high IOP was medical, laser and surgical. The restoration of ocular surface was made with lubricating hyperosmotic ophthalmic solutions, regenerative and protective agents. In all cases after the treatment was performed the ocular surface was restored. Conclusions: NVG is a very difficult pathology and is very hard to manage. The uncontrolled IOP in NVG patients affect the ocular surface and leads to complications. Long-term maintenance of normal intraocular pressure is important in NVG management but also in protecting the ocular surface.