Glaucoma Following Cataract Surgery

Glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS) is a type of secondary glaucoma that can develop after pediatric cataract surgery. This type of glaucoma can be very difficult to diagnose and treat, with an incidence ranging between 6% and 32%. Several risk factors have been associated with the development of GFCS, including younger age, microcornea, shorter axial length, persistent fetal vasculature, cataract laterality, and a history of multiple surgeries. The pathogenesis of GFCS remains unclear, though patients have been found to have anterior chamber angle structure distortion, high iris insertion, pupillary block and angle closure, and iris cysts. Medical treatment for GFCS is similar to treatment of other secondary open-angle glaucomas. Despite maximizing medical therapy, some patients with GFCS end up requiring glaucoma surgery. However, even with both medical and surgical treatments, many children with GFCS experience poor visual outcomes and poorly controlled glaucoma. Early identification, treatment, and lifelong screening can prevent vision loss in patients with GFCS.