R R

What Is Uveitic Glaucoma?

Uveitic glaucoma is glaucoma that occurs in people with uveitis, where elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve. Pressure can rise from the inflammation itself, from scarring that blocks fluid drainage, or from a steroid response during treatment. It may occur with open-angle or angle-closure mechanisms and can be intermittent or persistent. Long-term control usually requires treating both the inflammation and the eye pressure.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Uveitic Glaucoma?

Uveitic glaucoma is glaucoma that occurs in people with uveitis, where elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve. Pressure can rise from the inflammation itself, from scarring that blocks fluid drainage, or from a steroid response during treatment. It may occur with open-angle or angle-closure mechanisms and can be intermittent or persistent. Long-term control usually requires treating both the inflammation and the eye pressure.

read more about uveitic glaucoma ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

Why it happens

Uveitis can disrupt normal aqueous outflow and change the angle anatomy. In some cases, steroid drops or injections used to control inflammation also raise pressure. The exact mechanism varies by uveitis type and duration. Common contributors include:

  • Inflammatory cells and debris clogging the trabecular meshwork
  • Peripheral anterior synechiae causing chronic angle damage
  • Pupillary block from posterior synechiae with secondary angle closure
  • Steroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation

Symptoms and complications

Uveitic glaucoma may have no early symptoms, which is why pressure checks matter during and after uveitis treatment. Some people notice blurred vision, halos, headache, or eye pain, especially when pressure rises quickly. Ongoing pressure elevation can cause optic nerve cupping and permanent visual field loss. Because uveitis can flare, monitoring is often more frequent than in typical glaucoma.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Diagnosis involves measuring intraocular pressure and confirming glaucomatous optic nerve damage with exams and testing. Gonioscopy helps identify open-angle versus angle-closure mechanisms and synechiae. Visual field testing and optical coherence tomography track functional and structural damage over time. Clinicians also review current and recent steroid use and the activity level of uveitis to guide treatment choices.

Treatment options

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation while safely lowering pressure. Pressure-lowering drops are commonly used, often starting with aqueous suppressants, and the best choice depends on angle findings and inflammation status. Adjusting steroid type, dose, or route may be needed if steroid response is contributing, but inflammation still must be controlled. If medications fail or angle damage is advanced, laser or surgery such as a drainage device may be considered with specialist care.

FAQs on uveitic glaucoma

Can steroid drops cause uveitic glaucoma?

They can contribute by raising intraocular pressure in steroid responders. This is why eye pressure is monitored closely during steroid treatment for uveitis. Your clinician balances inflammation control with pressure safety.

Does controlling uveitis lower eye pressure?

Often it helps, especially when pressure elevation is driven by inflammatory debris. However, some patients still need glaucoma medications or procedures if the drainage system has been damaged or if steroid response is present. Both problems are managed together.

Is surgery sometimes needed?

Yes. If pressure stays high despite drops, or if optic nerve damage progresses, surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery is chosen based on uveitis control, angle status, and prior procedures.

Can vision loss from uveitic glaucoma be reversed?

Glaucoma-related optic nerve damage is usually permanent. Treatment aims to prevent further loss by controlling pressure and inflammation early. Regular follow-up is key to protecting remaining vision.

References

Uveitic Glaucoma. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Uveitic_Glaucoma. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Update on Diagnosis and Treatment of Uveitic Glaucoma. Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38388719/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Uveitic Glaucoma Interest Group Recommendations for Uveitis-Related Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma Management. Uveitic Glaucoma Interest Group. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40971800/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Uveitic Glaucoma in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Ophthalmology Glaucoma. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37789110/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.

Uveitic Glaucoma in Children: A Systematic Review on Surgical Interventions. PubMed (National Library of Medicine). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36344704/. Date Accessed: February 18, 2026.