Resolution of siderosis glaucoma from chronic intraocular foreign body without glaucoma surgery

Retained iron intraocular foreign body with late onset siderotic glaucoma: a clinical challenge

Siderotic glaucoma is a rare and challenging clinical scenario caused by a retained iron intraocular foreign body (IOFB), which results in irreversible vision loss. Presented here is a case of secondary open-angle glaucoma in a 36-year-old man that was refractory to maximal medical therapy. A meticulous history and careful clinical examination revealed that he had a penetrating trauma 15 years ago, a self-sealed corneal entry wound, open angles, a retained encapsulated metallic IOFB and siderosis bulbi. Removal of the foreign body not only controlled intraocular pressure, but also improved vision.

Siderotic glaucoma without detectable intraocular foreign body in a pseudophakic eye: a case report

Background

Ocular siderosis is induced by a retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) containing iron and can present as siderotic glaucoma. We report a rare case of histopathologically proven siderotic glaucoma in a middle-aged blacksmith with a preceding history of ocular trauma but no radiologically detectable IOFB.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old blacksmith presented with an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in left eye showing iris heterochromia and brownish deposits throughout the trabecular meshwork (TM). Preoperative ophthalmic examination did not reveal any retained IOFBs. Electroretinography showed the classic changes of retinal degeneration in ocular siderosis. Histopathologic staining of the TM verified the presence of iron deposits.

Conclusion

This case underlines the importance of the close monitoring of patients with a history of ocular trauma and highlights the necessity of electroretinography, histopathologic study, and detailed ophthalmic examination in the diagnosis of siderotic glaucoma, even if there is no definite radiologically detectable IOFB.

Pathophysiology and management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension related to trauma

Ocular trauma is a significant cause of blindness worldwide, particularly if associated with glaucoma. Direct damage from blunt or penetrating trauma, bleeding, inflammation, lens-related problems, orbital and brain vascular pathologies related to trauma, and chemical injuries may increase intraocular pressure and lead to traumatic glaucoma. Treatment may be as simple as eliminating the underlying cause in some conditions or management can be challenging, depending on the mechanism of damage. If proper management is not undertaken, visual outcomes can be poor. We discuss a broad spectrum of trauma-related mechanisms of intraocular pressure elevation, as well as their management.