Glaucomatocyclitic crisis

C. Raitta and A. Vannas

Ten patients with glaucomatocyclitic crisis were examined for glaucoma during the interval. The follow-up period was over ten years. One patient had primary open angle glaucoma and two had suspicion of glaucoma. These findings confirmed our previous concept of an association between glaucomatocyclitic crises and open angle glaucoma. Six patients were examined during acute attacks. Focal segmental ischaemia of the iris of different degree was typical during the attack, later in the immediate postattack phase congestion, leakage and even extreme hypotony were found. Iris angiography during the interval showed generally a rich vascular pattern, and in some cases, tortuous vascular tufts. Stromal atrophy and atrophy of the sphincter were considered secondary to pressure attacks. The role of the abnormal reactivity of the vessels of the ciliary vascular system on the development of acute attacks is discussed.