Sturge-Weber syndrome associated glaucoma is mechanistically distinct from other developmental glaucomas because it involves:

• A Anteriorly displaced Schwalbe's line with peripheral anterior synechiae
• B Mesodermal dysgenesis of the trabecular meshwork
• C Elevated episcleral venous pressure due to arteriovenous communication ✓
• D Lens-induced angle closure

Explanation

Glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome arises primarily from elevated episcleral venous pressure due to ipsilateral choroidal and episcleral hemangiomas that create arteriovenous communications. Elevated episcleral venous pressure raises the 'backpressure' against aqueous outflow, increasing IOP without trabecular dysfunction. This explains why IOP normalization requires targeting episcleral venous pressure rather than purely trabecular outflow enhancement. An early-onset subtype involves developmental angle anomaly similar to primary congenital glaucoma.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.