Neovascular Glaucoma Complicating Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Abstract

A secondary glaucoma characterized by a newly formed fibrovascular membrane on the iris surface and neovascular obstruction of the anterior chamber angle may complicate a number of retinal angiopathies. This kind of secondary glaucoma, often ambiguously referred to as "hemorrhagic glaucoma," is most frequently seen in diabetes and after central retinal vein occlusion. Because of the observable biomicroscopic and gonioscopic changes—and until the pathogenesis is elucidated—we prefer the term "neovascular glaucoma." Despite the fact that considerable attention has been focused on carotid-cavernous fistula^1,2and the mechanism of a complicating glaucoma,³to our knowledge the following case record is the first reported instance of a neovascular glaucoma occurring in this condition. <h3>Report of Case</h3> A 43-year-old white female was struck on the left forehead with a baseball bat. Within the next few days she became aware of progressive proptosis of the left eye and decreased visual acuity. She also