Which statement best describes the relationship between lens-induced uveitis and its secondary complications?

Which statement best describes the relationship between lens-induced uveitis and its secondary complications?

• A. Retinal detachment
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Macular edema
• D. Cataract progression

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how inflammation from lens-induced uveitis can disrupt the eye’s drainage of fluid and raise pressure, leading to glaucoma. When the lens proteins spill into the anterior chamber, they ignite a robust inflammatory response. This inflammatory milieu brings in white cells and protein debris that can clog the trabecular meshwork, the drain of the eye. Inflammation can also cause peripheral anterior synechiae, where the iris adheres to the cornea, narrowing or closing the angle and further blocking outflow. The result is elevated intraocular pressure, which over time damages the optic nerve—classic glaucoma. Steroid treatment often used for uveitis can also raise intraocular pressure in susceptible people, compounding the risk of glaucoma. While other issues like macular edema or cataract formation can occur with inflammatory eye disease or its treatment, glaucoma is the most direct and characteristic secondary complication arising from lens-induced uveitis due to impaired aqueous outflow and angle changes.

The main idea is how inflammation from lens-induced uveitis can disrupt the eye’s drainage of fluid and raise pressure, leading to glaucoma. When the lens proteins spill into the anterior chamber, they ignite a robust inflammatory response. This inflammatory milieu brings in white cells and protein debris that can clog the trabecular meshwork, the drain of the eye. Inflammation can also cause peripheral anterior synechiae, where the iris adheres to the cornea, narrowing or closing the angle and further blocking outflow. The result is elevated intraocular pressure, which over time damages the optic nerve—classic glaucoma.

Steroid treatment often used for uveitis can also raise intraocular pressure in susceptible people, compounding the risk of glaucoma. While other issues like macular edema or cataract formation can occur with inflammatory eye disease or its treatment, glaucoma is the most direct and characteristic secondary complication arising from lens-induced uveitis due to impaired aqueous outflow and angle changes.