Update on Factors Contributing to Traumatic Glaucoma Following Ocular Contusion and Globe Perforation

This paper focuses on potential factors that can contribute to secondary traumatic glaucoma (TG) following mechanical globe injury.

Due to poor visibility of the optic nerve upon presentation, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is used as a surrogate marker for glaucoma. The etiology and variable time of onset of increased IOP are multifactorial, given involvement of several ocular structures. Mere presence of hyphema or angle recession does not necessarily lead to the development of TG. The 2-D model of blunt ocular trauma, with an initial antero-posterior compression and subsequent equatorial expansion, can be better understood in a 3-D context by analyzing the impact of both external and internal vector forces on the trabecular meshwork and ciliary body annulus.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying acute and late-onset IOP elevation will enable enhanced surveillance and implementation of timely management of sequelae following ocular trauma to avert the onset of TG.