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Phacogenic open-angle glaucoma: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025

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Phacogenic open-angle glaucoma includes three different diagnoses with similar clinical symptoms. Phacolytic glaucoma, glaucoma of the lens masses, and phacogenic uveitis (FGU) develop with an intraocular inflammatory process, an abnormal lens, and increased intraocular pressure, but hypotension usually develops later. Differentiation of these three pathologies requires careful examination and understanding of the mechanisms that determine the development of each disease.
Clinical manifestations of phacogenic open-angle glaucomas
Glaucoma of the lens masses |
Phacolytic glaucoma |
Phacogenic open-angle glaucoma |
|
Mechanism |
The lens substance blocks the TS |
VMB of the lens blocks the TS |
Immune tolerance disorder |
Intraocular pressure |
Increased |
Increased |
Decreased or increased |
Gonioscopy |
Open corner |
Open corner |
Open corner |
Condition of the lens |
Rupture of the lens capsule with release of lens masses |
Mature or hypermature cataract |
Rupture of the lens capsule; expulsion of large fragments of the lens |
Treatment |
Antiglaucoma treatment, glucocorticoids, surgical removal of lens masses |
Antiglaucoma treatment, local glucocorticoids, cataract extraction |
Antiglaucoma treatment, local glucocorticoids, removal of lens fragments |