A Case of Neovascular Glaucoma in Radiation Retinopathy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case in which radiotherapy damaged the microvasculatures of the retinal vessels and developed cotton-wool patches and retinal hemorrage as well as rubeosis iridis and intractable neovascular glaucoma. METHODS: A 64-year-old female presented with visual loss in her left eye two years after radiotherapy for malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity. The visual acuity of her left eye was counting fingers. Although any specific signs were not shown in the cornea or lens, multiple cotton-wool patches and retinal hemorrhages were noted around the optic disc. RESULTS: Multiple cotton-wool patches and retinal hemorrhages disappeared gradually. Finally, rubeosis iridis and intractable neovascular glaucoma developed which could not be controlled by panretinal photocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy for malignancy of the nasal cavity was associated with intractable neovascular glaucoma.