[Glaucoma and nanophthalmos]

Abstract

The term nanophthalmos refers to a clinically small eye that appears morphologically normal. A nanophthalmos is characterized by hyperopia but can also be associated with various secondary pathologies, such as angle-closure glaucoma. In particular, the perioperative risks associated with a nanophthalmic eye necessitate examination of the anatomical characteristics, which can result from the disproportional size of intraocular tissues despite structural normality. These include a small anterior chamber depth, scleral thickening and anomalies of the vein plexus, which are predisposing factors for the formation of angle-closure glaucoma. The resulting therapeutic challenges in the nanophthalmic eye can be countered with iridectomy, lensectomy, vitrectomy and cyclophotocoagulation. The definition, genetics and clinical findings of nanophthalmos are discussed with a focus on the complication of glaucoma and its treatment.

Keywords: Angle-closure glaucoma; Hyperopia; Microphthalmos; Retinal pigment epithelium; Vitrectomy.