Phacomorphic glaucoma is mechanically distinct from phacoantigenic uveitis. The pathophysiological mechanism of phacomorphic glaucoma is:
- A Immune-mediated inflammation triggered by lens proteins leaking through an intact capsule
- B Trabecular meshwork obstruction by liberated lens cortex macrophages
- C Angle closure due to forward displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm by an intumescent lens ✓
- D Pupillary block from posterior synechiae formation
Explanation
Phacomorphic glaucoma is a secondary angle-closure glaucoma caused by an intumescent (swollen, enlarging) lens that pushes the iris-lens diaphragm anteriorly, shallowing the anterior chamber and mechanically closing the iridocorneal angle. This is distinct from phacoantigenic (phacoanaphylactic) uveitis where lens proteins leaking through a disrupted capsule trigger an immune-mediated granulomatous reaction. Treatment is urgent lens extraction after initial IOP reduction.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.