Case Report: The efficacy of early phacoemulsification in the intraocular pressure control in primary angle closure glaucoma associated with cataract in a young female

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world, second only to cataract. Among different types of glaucoma, irreversible bilateral visual impairment is more common in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. PACG and cataract often coexist and are both more prevalent among the elderly population, being rare in children and young adults. Here, we discuss the case of a 39-year-old Caucasian woman with unilateral PACG associated with cataract. The patient presented with a several-day history of left sided headache, decreased and blurred vision as well as pain and redness of the left eye (LE). She reported similar episodes in the previous year. Visual acuity (VA) of the LE was limited to counting fingers and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of the LE was 42 mmHg. Anterior segment examination of the LE revealed: edematous cornea, a peripheral anterior chamber depth corresponding to Van Herick’s grade 0, mid-dilated pupil and lens opacities with visible glaukomflecken. Gonioscopic evaluation revealed iridotrabecular contact for 360º, no visible angle structures and a flat–mild convex iris contour. The digital image of the optic disc suggested only a thinning of neuro-retinal rim at the lower pole. Following treatment of the initial symptoms, phacoemulsification with intra-ocular lens implant was performed. IOP improved and no IOP-lowering medication was required. The patient was monitored for VA, IOP, field of vision changes, and optic disc evaluation every six months for 2 years and no glaucomatous change occurred. The patient also denied ocular symptoms during this period. This case supports the effectiveness of early phacoemulsification in the IOP control in patients with PACG.