Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Ophthalmology

Secondary Glaucoma after Congenital Cataract Surgery: A Serious Complication not to be Missed

Rkia Azahrai *

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Manar Achargui

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Wissale Oujidi

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Fatimazahra Mebrouki

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Siham Chariba

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Asmae Maadane

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

Rachid Sekhsoukh

Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VIth, Oujda, Morocco.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Secondary glaucoma is a serious complication in patients who have already undergone surgery for congenital cataract.

We report the case of a 27 year old female patient, operated on at the age of 3 weeks for bilateral congenital cataract, subsequently complicated by secondary glaucoma, followed since paediatric age; admitted to our department on dual hypotonic therapy.

Glaucoma and suspected glaucoma develop in 50% or more of children who have undergone congenital cataract surgery. The risk of developing glaucoma is the same whether patients remain aphakic or receive an implant at the time of cataract extraction. Most often, these glaucomas develop within 3 years of the surgical procedure.

Pediatric patients with surgically controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) may still have morbidities related to previous IOP elevation, including amblyopia, corneal scarring, strabismus, anisometropia, trauma susceptibility due to scleral fragility, and recurrent IOP elevation.

These morbidities can lead to severe long-term visual impairment and should be treated promptly.

Keywords: Congenital cataract, glaucoma, aphakic

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