Eye injuries can lead to more than immediate pain or vision disruption—they can trigger long-term complications like traumatic glaucoma. This condition, involving the blocking of or damage to the eye’s internal drainage system, can result in increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage, threatening your vision. Traumatic glaucoma doesn’t always appear immediately; it can develop years after an injury, often catching patients by surprise. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of traumatic glaucoma can help you manage and mitigate its effects.*

Blunt Trauma: A Common Culprit

Blunt trauma, which refers to injuries that don’t pierce the eye, is a leading cause of traumatic glaucoma, says Ruth Williams, M.D., vice chair at the Wheaton Eye Clinic and a past president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Sports-related incidents, such as being struck by a baseball or during boxing, frequently result in such injuries. These impacts can disrupt the normal flow of eye fluid by:

• Damaging the ciliary body, 
• Leading to internal bleeding, and 
• Causing a build-up of debris in the drainage system. 

Treatment for elevated pressure following blunt trauma typically begins with glaucoma medications to stabilize pressure levels. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be required. 

While the pressure spike is often temporary, regular follow-up eye exams are needed to monitor for potential complications like angle-recession glaucoma. This long-term condition, marked by scarring in the drainage canals, may necessitate medications, laser therapy, or surgery for effective management.

Penetrating Eye Injuries: A Serious Risk

Penetrating injuries caused by sharp objects or debris can also lead to traumatic glaucoma. Unlike blunt trauma, these injuries often result in an immediate drop in eye pressure due to tissue disruption. As the wound heals, however, you may experience:

• Swelling,  
• Bleeding, and 
• Scarring.  

Any of these can cause a delayed rise in pressure and risk long-term damage.

Treatment for penetrating injuries aims to prevent infection and inflammation with corticosteroids and antibiotics. Surgery may also be needed to manage swelling or remove excess eye fluid. 

If glaucoma develops later, treatments often start with medicated eye drops to control fluid production. Laser therapy or surgery may follow if necessary. Prompt attention after the initial injury is crucial for minimizing long-term risks.

The Importance of Long-Term Monitoring

Both blunt and penetrating injuries carry the risk of delayed-onset glaucoma. Scarring and other structural damage from trauma can remain undetected for years, progressively impairing fluid drainage and raising eye pressure. 

If you have a history of eye trauma, Williams says, regular eye exams are a must to reduce the likelihood of irreversible optic nerve damage. With timely treatment and diligent follow-up, many patients can maintain their vision and quality of life.

*Williams, R. D. (2022, January 1). Traumatic Glaucoma. Glaucoma Research Foundation. https://glaucoma.org/types/traumatic-glaucoma 

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