High resolution ultrasonography in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma associated with the cicatricial stage of retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND

Angle-closure glaucoma in children at the cicatricial stage of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been thought to be caused by the anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm resulting from contraction of a retrolental fibrous membrane. Other possible mechanisms include pupillary block and ciliary block.

CASES: Three patients (three eyes) at the cicatricial stage of ROP with angle-closure glaucoma were examined by high-resolution ultrasonography before and after peripheral iridectomy.

OBSERVATIONS: High-resolution ultrasonography preoperatively showed that the angle was closed. A retrolental fibrous membrane was attached behind the lens. After the iridectomy, ultrasonography showed an open angle, and the intraocular pressure was normal.

CONCLUSIONS

The angle closure in our three patients was caused mainly by a pupillary block and could be treated by peripheral iridectomy.