[Diabetic neovascularisation and secondary glaucoma].

Neovascular glaucoma develops from intraocular neovascularisation in diabetes mellitus. Neovascularisation is a consequence of hypoxia-induced production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A. Neovascular glaucoma is one of the most serious, sight-threatening late complications of diabetes. Several intraocular pressure lowering drugs, surgical and adjunctive laser treatments have been used to treat this disease, but the efficacy of the interventions is limited. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor-A blocking therapy in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma remains to be determined. Development of neovascularisation, however, can be prevented with adequate long-term glycemic and lipid control, effective treatment of arterial hypertension and optimal timing of adequate panretinal photocoagulation, in the majority of the cases. Unfortunately, in clinical practice diabetic neovascular glaucoma is more frequently experienced in Hungary than would be expected based on the variety of available therapeutic possibilities. In order to increase the success of prevention both cooperation of general practitioners, diabetologists, dietitians and ophthalmologists, and compliance of diabetic patients need to be improved.