Inflammatory glaucoma. Elements of etiology and pathology

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory glaucoma, also known as uveitic glaucoma is a multifactorial process of inflammation that causes the rising of intraocular pressure (IOP) accompanied by morphological and physiological modifying similar to open angle glaucoma. The mechanisms by which ocular inflammation causes an increase of the IOP are not integrally comprehended, and many of the relevant pathways and features are still covered with a veil of mystery. The eyes of uveitic patients are defined by complex interactions between the angles (open or closed), trabecular outflow, fluctuations in the aqueous production and the response to steroids. Regarding the elevation of IOP in these individuals, it is mostly attributed to the increased outflow resistance, which distorts the equilibrium between aqueous production and outflow. Conclusions: Inflammatory glaucoma is a multifactorial pathology that needs a careful diagnosis and therapeutical approach in order to obtain a good management of inflammatory process and intraocular pressure. There are a lot of pathological pathways that influence the evolution of inflammatory glaucoma and make treatment more difficult. Last years, glaucoma treatment has significantly improved, but to better understand pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma more scientific studies are necessary. Key words: inflammatory glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, secondary glaucoma.