Detection of the progression of retinal nerve fiber layer loss by optical coherence tomography in a patient with glaucomatocyclitic crisis

A 30-year-old man presented with glaucomatocyclitic crisis, also known as Posner–Schlossman syndrome, and acute intraocular pressure elevation. Changes in the longitudinal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio of the optic disc were detected by Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). The average RNFL thickness in the affected eye was greater than that in the unaffected eye on Day 3 (132.99 μm, C/D ratio: 0.24 vs. 105 μm, C/D ratio: 0.26). However, the RNFL thickness continued to decrease and the C/D ratio progressively increased in the affected eye over 12 months (60 μm, C/D ratio: 0.67), although the intraocular pressure was controlled at <21 mmHg during that period. Glaucomatous visual field defects were also found. A progressive decrease in the thickness of the RNFL was demonstrated by Stratus optical coherence tomography following an elevation in the acute intraocular pressure in the patient. Prompt treatment and longitudinal monitoring are necessary to prevent and detect glaucomatous damage.