The Relationship of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome to Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease with associated ophthalmic pathology. Glaucoma has been reported in patients with VKH. The purpose of this report is to examine the frequency and types of glaucoma associated with VKH. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series. Electronic medical records of patients with VKH were reviewed from two medical centers: Duke University and the University of North Carolina. RESULTS: Of 45 eyes with VKH, 28 (62%) developed ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. In the patients with VKH and OHT/glaucoma, 18/28 (64%) had posterior synechiae and/or peripheral anterior synechiae. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown a high prevalence of OHT and glaucoma in eyes with VKH. Furthermore, in addition to secondary open angle from corticosteroid treatment and uveitis, secondary angle closure resulting from posterior synechiae, frequently associated with iris bombé configuration, is an important cause of glaucoma in VKH eyes.

Duke Scholars

Author Sandra Sue Stinnett Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics

Author Glenn Jay Jaffe Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery