Lens-Induced Glaucoma: The Need to Spread Awareness about Early Management of Cataract among Rural Population

Abstract

Purpose. To determine the clinical profile of lens-induced glaucoma (LIG), reasons for late presentation, and outcome of current management. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 50 eyes with LIG over a 6-year period between 2005 and 2011 at a tertiary care centre in rural India. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively along with postoperative complications. Results. Fifty (2.4%) of 12,004 senile cataracts operated at Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, presented with LIG. There were 39 (78%) phacomorphic cases and 11 (22%) phacolytic glaucoma. Following cataract surgery, 21 of 50 operated eyes (42%) had visual acuity 6/60 or worse. Conclusion. The results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of visually disabling cataract. There is a need to educate both the patient and the cataract surgeon about the dangers of lens-induced glaucoma and of about poor outcome if treatment is delayed.