Anterior segment imaging in the management of postoperative fibrin pupillary-block glaucoma

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009 Jul;35(7):1307-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2009.02.034.

Abstract

Postoperative fibrin pupillary-block glaucoma, an uncommon complication of intraocular surgery, develops when an inflammatory fibrin membrane occludes the pupil, resulting in peripheral angle closure. We present a series of 4 patients with this condition and describe the role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in distinguishing fibrin pupillary-block glaucoma from other forms of postoperative acute glaucoma. Specific to this condition is the presence of a fibrin membrane across the pupil and accumulation of aqueous in the posterior chamber, as would be expected in pupil block, but with a clear separation between the intraocular lens and the iris. The possible risk factors are discussed and various treatment modalities reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anterior Eye Segment / diagnostic imaging*
  • Anterior Eye Segment / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fibrin*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / diagnosis*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Iridectomy
  • Iris / surgery
  • Lasers, Solid-State
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Acoustic
  • Middle Aged
  • Phacoemulsification*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Pupil Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Pupil Disorders / surgery
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Substances

  • Fibrin