Prevalence, Causes and Management of Neovascular Glaucoma: A 5-Year Review

Purpose: To determine the prevalence, identify the causes and outline the management options available at our center for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. Setting: The study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: The case records of all patients who were managed in the department of ophthalmology from January 2013 to December 2017 for neovascular glaucoma were retrieved. Data collected included, age, sex, causes of neovascular glaucoma, presenting visual acuity, treatment options and outcomes, systemic and ocular comorbidities. Results were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 for Windows statistical software. Results: Thirty-two eyes (32) of twenty-eight patients were studied. The hospital prevalence of neovascular glaucoma was 0.3%. There were 4 cases of bilateral neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Retinal vein occlusion 17 (53%) was the commonest cause of NVG followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy 13 (41%). Uveitis was seen in only 2 (6%) eyes. The commonest form of intervention used was a combination of medical therapy and anti VEGFs. Fifty percent (50%) of the study population had a lowering of their intraocular pressures within the normal limits post treatment and this was statistically significant (p = 0.000). However, only 10% had an improvement in their visual acuity after treatment. Conclusions: Neovascular glaucoma is a potential blinding condition with challenges in control of intraocular pressures and preservation of vision. Early detection and attention to aetiological factors with timely institution of the appropriate mode of treatment may help in preserving vision.