Pathophysiology of glaucoma in uveitis.

Glaucoma secondary to uveitis may occur by any one or by a combination of several different pathophysiological mechanisms. These include acute angle-closure due to iris bombé caused by posterior synechiae; chronic angle-closure due to peripheral anterior synechiae; and open angle glaucoma due to obstruction and/or inflammation of the trabecular meshwork. Secretory hypotony may mask impairment of outflow, while steroids used to treat the uveitis may further complicate the situation by causing a rise in intraocular pressure. Careful delineation of the pathophysiology involved is the cornerstone of successful management.