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IU Optometry Clinics & Patient Care: Patient Education Angle on Glaucoma: Types |
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Lens-Induced Glaucoma There are four different types of lens-induced glaucoma. These glaucomas usually affect the elderly who have a history of cataracts. The increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) can be caused by lens material left after cataract extraction, leakage of lens proteins from an intact lens into the anterior chamber, anaphylaxis, and even pupillary block. Phacomorphic glaucoma is when the crystalline lens has increased in size due to a cataract. This increase in size can lead to pupillary block and angle closure if left untreated.
Phacoanaphylactic glaucoma is a chronic uveitis that usually occurs a few days after cataract surgery or after trauma to the lens. There is a leakage of proteins into the anterior chamber with a massive inflammation. Cells, flare, mutton-fat keratic precipitates, and even a hypopyon may be visible upon slit lamp examination. This massive inflammation can cause a posterior synechia leading to increased intraocular pressures. Lens-particle glaucoma is induced when there is an accumulation of lens material in the anterior chamber angle. This is caused by particles being left in the chamber after cataract surgery, injury to the lens, or after a YAG capsulotomy. In this open angle type of glaucoma, it may take weeks before the intraocular pressure becomes elevated. Most of the smaller particles are reabsorbed, but some larger ones may have to be surgically removed. (Lens particles have also been associated with chronic inflammation and cystoid macular edema.) What Is Glaucoma? | Types of Glaucoma | Diagnosing Glaucoma | Treatments | Research & Links | Glaucoma Home 
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Phacolytic glaucoma is a when there is liquefaction of the nucleus and cortex of a mature or hypermature cataract. The protein in the lens then leaks out into the anterior chamber. This protein obstructs outflow of aqueous through the 
trabecular meshwork leading to elevated IOPs usually over 35mmHg. Pain and redness occurs.