Acute inflammation in the eye (uveitis) normally does not lead to elevated pressure. However, severe, or repeated inflammation, where the inflammatory proteins increase, will cause blockage in the trabecular meshwork. Chronic uveitis can recur repeatedly and lead to the formation of adhesions between the iris and lens (posterior synechia) or between the iris and drainage angle (peripheral anterior synechiae) further compromising the drainage pathways. Uveitis glaucoma can by acute, chronic, or acute exacerbation of chronic condition. The visual field or visual loss may not be severe after the uveitis, but such damages are irreversible. In order to minimize the risk of uveitis recurrence, cautions should be taken during follow-ups and each relapse episode must be well treated.

It commonly affects adults aged 20-50 years. It presents acutely with markedly elevated intraocular pressure and anterior chamber inflammation. Usually, one eye is affected in Posner-Schlossman Syndrome, but the disease has the tendance of recurrence. Symptoms may be mild, but sudden eye pressure elevation can happen which should be addressed immediately to prevent permanent optic nerve damage.

Elevated eye pressure can be caused by topical, oral, or inhaled steroids. Its clinical manifestations are similar as primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients who require long term steroids should talk to their doctor on prevention of secondary glaucoma during steroid treatment.

The size of lens increases, and it swells as cataract develops. It may push the iris and cause narrow anterior chamber angle. In severe cases, the drainage pathways may be totally blocked and induce elevated pressure. The elderly with far-sightedness (shorter eyeballs) are at higher risk.

Blood in the anterior chamber may block the drainage pathway and therefore lead to pressure rise. Blood in the vitreous cavity may be degraded into red blood cells (ghost cell glaucoma), hemoglobulin (hemolytic glaucoma) and iron (hemosiderotic). These 3 components may cause blockage and damage at the trabecular meshwork and subsequent elevated pressure.

In severe blunt trauma, the iris and ciliary body (structures forming the drainage) may be disrupted or torn. It may result in trabecular meshwork damage and may lead elevation in eye pressure (either an immediate effect or subsequent result of scarring). Thus, the pressure of angle recession patients should be checked regularly.

Neovascular glaucoma is a type of secondary glaucoma where the angle of the eye is closed by “new blood vessels,” hence the name “neovascular.” The “angle” referred to here is the angle between the iris, and the cornea. Neovascular glaucoma typically develops in eyes in which there is severe retinal vein blockage or severe diabetic eye disease. The cause of this disease is complex. In neovascular glaucoma, there is a lack of oxygen or blood supply at the back of the eye which cause the new vessels form in the iris and the angle, and often they are leaky or cause inflammation. New blood vessels growing over the drainage angle can cause scarring and narrowing, which can eventually lead to complete closure of the angle. This process results in elevated eye pressure.

It is a rare surgical complication occurring in patients with pre-existing glaucoma, also known as malignant glaucoma. Misdirected aqueous fluid causes forward movement of the lens/iris diaphragm, shallowing the central and peripheral anterior chamber. This results in a highly elevated pressure like angle-closure glaucoma. If sudden eye pain, redness, blurring, headache, nausea, and vomiting is noted after any eye surgery or laser, one should seek urgent medical consultation.