Glaucomatocyclitic crisis, a rare cause of unilateral ocular hypertension

Abstract

PurposeTo report a case of glaucomatocyclitic crisis which is a rare cause of ocular hypertension.MethodsA 40 ‐year‐ old immunocompetent male patient admited, with the complaints of blurry vision, photophobia,red eye, and severe pain in the left eye for the last 2 days.Examination revealed mild anterior chamber reaction, corneal oedema, appearance of keratic precipitates and a very high intraocular pressure (52 mmHg) with an unresponsive, semi‐dilated pupil in the same eye. Gonioscopy revealed open angles in both eyes.ResultsHe was treated with topical steroids and topical pressure‐lowering agents with oral acetazolamide. The patient was also evaluated for systemic causes of red eye. Investigations carried out included routine blood tests and ESR, the results of which were all within normal limits. In the following 24 month period, the patient had two further episodes of unilateral IOP spikes associated with cyclitis.ConclusionsThis is an interesting and a rare uveitic condition. Although the list of differential diagnoses is long, the condition is relatively quickly identifiable by the presence of remarkable signs and symptoms. Medical and surgical treatments are indicated to reduce inflammation and to prevent long‐term glaucomatous optic nerve damage related to the high intraocular pressure.