The Risk of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Following Vitreoretinal Surgery—A Population-based Study

Abstract

We thank Borgohain and associates for their comments on our previously published paper, “The risk of primary open-angle glaucoma following vitreoretinal surgery—a population-based study.” 1 Mansukhani S.A. Barkmeier A.J. Bakri S.J. et al. The risk of primary open-angle glaucoma following vitreoretinal surgery—a population-based study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2018; 193: 143-155 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar We agree that raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known sequela of vitreoretinal surgery owing to multiple causes. However, elevation of IOP is not synonymous with glaucoma, and is in fact not part of the current definition of glaucoma. 2 Prum Jr., B.E. Rosenberg L.F. Gedde S.J. et al. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern((R)) Guidelines. Ophthalmology. 2016; 123: P41-P111 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (374) Google Scholar Most patients with elevated IOP never develop glaucoma, while a large proportion of glaucoma patients (27% in our study) do not have recorded IOP elevations. In the Discussion section of our paper, we listed reasons why the glaucoma in our patients could be considered secondary. However, we were unable to determine phenotypic differences from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). As well, there are clear secondary causes of glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery, and our cases were designated as POAG to distinguish them from cases where a clear etiology was present. The Risk of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Following Vitreoretinal Surgery—A Population-based StudyAmerican Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 201PreviewWe congratulate and highly appreciate Mansukhani and associates for their article.1 However, we would like to mention a few points and seek the authors' kind attention. Full-Text PDF