Secondary Glaucoma
What is Secondary Glaucoma?
Secondary Glaucoma refers to any form of glaucoma where an identifiable eye condition, injury, or systemic disease causes an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to optic nerve damage.
Unlike “Primary” glaucoma (where the cause is usually genetic or unknown), secondary glaucoma has a clear root cause that must be addressed alongside lowering the eye pressure.
How it Occurs
In a healthy eye, fluid (aqueous humor) flows out through a drainage system called the trabecular meshwork. In secondary glaucoma, this “drain” becomes blocked or damaged by “debris” from other conditions, such as:
- Pigment or protein flakes
- New blood vessels growing where they shouldn’t
- Inflammatory cells
- Blood from an injury
- Physical changes caused by medications (like steroids)
Treatment and Management
Depending on why the pressure is high, the “Root Cause” treatment will vary:
If it’s caused by Inflammation (Uveitis): We use steroid drops or other anti-inflammatory meds to “calm” the eye. Once the inflammation stops, the eye’s natural drainage system can often start working again.
If it’s caused by Diabetes (Neovascular): The eye is growing “bad” blood vessels that block the drain. Doctors often use injections (anti-VEGF) or retinal lasers to shrink those vessels and open the drain back up.
If it’s caused by Medication (Steroid-induced): If your eye is reacting to a steroid (like a skin cream or inhaler), the first step is often to find an alternative medication that doesn’t affect your eye pressure.