---
title: What are secondary glaucomas?
description: "Secondary glaucomas are optic‑nerve‑damaging eye pressure problems that arise as a complication of another ocular or systemic condition rather than occurring on their own. They share final pathways with primary glaucoma but have identifiable causes that also need treatment. ##…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-are-secondary-glaucomas/"
updated: "2025-12-15"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What are secondary glaucomas?

Secondary glaucomas are optic‑nerve‑damaging eye pressure problems that arise as a complication of another ocular or systemic condition rather than occurring on their own. They share final pathways with primary glaucoma but have identifiable causes that also need treatment.

## Common Causes

Secondary glaucoma can follow eye injury, uveitis, steroid use, advanced diabetic eye disease, lens problems, or vascular events.

- Neovascular glaucoma develops when abnormal new vessels obstruct the drainage angle.
- Lens‑related glaucomas occur with swollen, dislocated, or leaking lenses.
- Inflammatory glaucoma results from trabecular damage or blockage by inflammatory cells and protein.
- Traumatic and pigmentary glaucomas stem from structural changes after injury or pigment dispersion.

## Management

Treatment combines pressure‑lowering therapies with management of the underlying cause, often requiring drops, laser, and surgery.

- Anti‑VEGF injections and panretinal photocoagulation are crucial for neovascular glaucoma associated with retinal ischaemia.
- Steroids may need to be reduced or switched in steroid‑response glaucoma.
- Surgical options include trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and cyclodestructive procedures when medications are insufficient.
- Regular monitoring of optic nerve and visual fields guides long‑term care.