Uveitis and glaucoma: A practical approach

Uveitis is a sight-threatening condition with major therapeutic breakthroughs during the last decade. Control of inflammation is more frequently achieved. Therefore, blindness is often associated with secondary complications. Severe glaucoma is one of the most difficult situations to manage. Both inflammation and steroids may induce ocular hypertension in patients with uveitis. Most of cases are associated with anterior uveitis. New entities associated with viral infections have been identified during the last decade. Specific antiviral therapy is often sufficient to control both inflammation and high IOP. In noninfectious conditions, control of inflammation with immunosuppressors and biologic agents have dramatically changed the incidence of glaucoma in these patients. Prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment of uveitis have dramatically changed the outcome and long-term prognosis of uveitis. Glaucoma surgery remains rarely necessary but sometimes the only possible strategy.