Phacolytic glaucoma in a patient with mature cataract with associated conjunctival hyperemia and ciliary injection.

A form of lens-induced open-angle glaucoma. Caused by the leakage of lens protein (from a mature or hypermature cataract) into the aqueous humor, thereby causing obstruction of aqueous outflow. Clinical features: Symptoms: may present as sudden or insidious onset of ocular pain and worsened vision Signs: Occurs unilaterally (majority of cases) Conjunctival hyperemia (associated) Acutely elevated intraocular pressure (may reach as high as 80 mmHg) Diffuse corneal edema Inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber Presence of white patches on the anterior lens capsule probably representing phagocytosis of lens protein by macrophages On gonioscopy evaluation, the anterior chamber angle appears open Management: Anti-inflammatory therapy Anti-glaucoma medication(s) Cataract removal surgery (the IOP usually returns to normal in several days)

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