Lens-induced glaucoma is a secondary form of glaucoma characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting from lens-related factors that obstruct the normal aqueous humor outflow pathways. This condition is particularly prevalent in regions with limited access to eye care services and is often associated with mature or hypermature cataracts. Several distinct forms of lens-induced glaucoma have been identified, including phacomorphic glaucoma, which is caused by a swollen lens pushing the iris forward and leading to angle closure, and phacolytic glaucoma, which results from the leakage of lens proteins from a hypermature cataract, causing trabecular meshwork obstruction through an inflammatory response. Other types include lens particle glaucoma, which follows lens trauma or surgery with lens fragments blocking the trabecular meshwork, and phacoanaphylactic glaucoma, where an autoimmune reaction against lens proteins induces inflammation and elevated IOP. Effective management typically involves initial medical therapy to lower IOP, followed by surgical intervention such as cataract extraction to remove the obstruction and restore normal aqueous flow, with anti- inflammatory treatments being utilized when indicated (Bhat & Natarajan, 2018; Kim et al., 2019; Salim & Shields, 2014). The prevalence of lens-induced glaucoma varies considerably across different regions, largely influenced by the availability of cataract surgery and eye care services. It is more common in developing countries where access to eye care is limited, resulting in a higher incidence of advanced cataracts. In some low-resource settings, lens-induced glaucoma accounts for a substantial proportion of secondary glaucoma cases. For instance, studies from South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa indicate that lens- induced glaucoma is responsible for 6% to 17% of all glaucoma cases, reflecting the significant public health burden posed by untreated cataracts in these regions (Bhat & Natarajan, 2018). In contrast, developed countries with widespread access to cataract surgery and routine eye examinations report a much lower prevalence, as early detection and timely surgical management prevent the progression of cataracts to stages that cause lens-induced glaucoma. Lens-induced glaucoma imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems, particularly in regions where the condition is prevalent. The management of this condition often involves surgical intervention to extract the cataract, which can be resource-intensive. In low-resource settings, where access to surgical facilities and ophthalmic specialists may be limited, patients often present with advanced disease requiring more complex and costly management. The direct healthcare costs associated with treating lens-induced glaucoma include surgical expenses, medications for controlling IOP, and postoperative care, while indirect costs may include loss of productivity and caregiving needs. Moreover, untreated or inadequately managed cases can result in irreversible vision loss, adding to the socioeconomic burden of blindness and low vision in affected populations (Salim & Shields, 2014). This highlights the need for health systems to prioritize the prevention and timely management of lens-related causes of glaucoma. Lens-induced glaucoma is a largely preventable condition through the timely detection and management of cataracts. Early identification of cataracts through routine eye examinations allows for cataract surgery before the lens becomes hypermature or swollen, reducing the risk of subsequent glaucoma development. In addition to regular eye exams, public health initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of cataracts and their complications can encourage individuals to seek medical attention earlier, further reducing the incidence of lens-induced glaucoma (Resnikoff et al., 2020). Screening programs targeting older adults and high-risk groups, particularly in low- income regions, can facilitate early detection and prompt surgical intervention. Increasing the availability and affordability of cataract surgery through outreach programs and mobile eye clinics is crucial for the prevention of this condition, particularly in underserved areas. Timely evaluation and management of patients with lens-induced glaucoma are critical to preventing irreversible optic nerve damage and vision loss. Early diagnosis allows for prompt intervention to lower IOP and surgically address the lens-related cause, thereby preserving visual function. Delays in treatment can lead to prolonged periods of elevated IOP, resulting in damage to the optic nerve and a higher likelihood of permanent visual impairment. Moreover, the inflammatory component associated with certain types of lens-induced glaucoma, such as phacolytic glaucoma, can exacerbate damage if not promptly controlled (Kim et al., 2019). Regular monitoring of patients who present with advanced cataracts or symptoms suggestive of glaucoma can facilitate early detection, enabling effective management before significant harm occurs. Lens-induced glaucoma remains a significant public health issue, particularly in regions with limited access to eye care services. The condition is preventable with appropriate public health measures, such as regular eye examinations, early cataract detection, and timely surgical intervention. Despite the challenges in management, prioritizing prevention and timely evaluation can mitigate the healthcare burden and improve patient outcomes. Investing in eye health infrastructure and public awareness programs is essential to reducing the prevalence and impact of lens-induced glaucoma worldwide..
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