Glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty is a frequently observed post-operative complication and is a risk factor for graft
failure. Penetrating keratoplasty performed for aphakic and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and inflammatory conditions are
more likely to cause postoperative glaucoma compared with keratoconus and Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. The intraocular pressure
elevation may occur immediately after surgery or in the early to late postoperative period. Early postoperative causes of
glaucoma include pre-existing glaucoma, retained viscoelastic, hyphema, inflammation, pupillary block, aqueous misdirection,
or suprachoroidal hemorrhage. Late causes include pre-existing glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, ghost cell glaucoma, suprachoroidal
hemorrhage, and steroid-induced glaucoma. Determining the cause of IOP elevation can help guide therapeutic intervention.
Treatments for refractory glaucoma include topical anti-glaucoma medications such as beta-adrenergic blockers. Topical carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors, miotic agents, adrenergic agonists, and prostaglandin analogs should be used with caution in the post-keratoplasty
patient, because of the possibility of corneal decompensation, cystoid macular edema, or persistent inflammation. Various
glaucoma surgical treatments have reported success in post-keratoplasty glaucoma. Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C can be successful
in controlling IOP without the corneal toxicity noted with 5-fluorouracil. Glaucoma drainage devices have successfully controlled
intraocular pressure in post-keratoplasty glaucoma; this is, however, associated with increased risk of graft failure. Placement
of the tube through the pars plana may improve graft success compared with implantation within the anterior chamber. In addition,
cyclophotocoagulation remains a useful procedure for eyes that have refractory glaucoma despite multiple surgical interventions.
Keywords Glaucoma - Penetrating keratoplasty - Graft failure - Trabeculectomy - Glaucoma drainage device