Clinical Scorecard: Case reports possible association between red light mask use and secondary glaucoma
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Acute bilateral secondary angle-closure glaucoma associated with ciliochoroidal effusions
Key Mechanisms
Ciliochoroidal effusions and anterior rotation of the ciliary body were considered the cause of angle closure; a possible role for red and near-infrared light remains uncertain.
Target Population
A single 43-year-old patient with acute bilateral vision loss after recent at-home red light therapy mask use
Care Setting
Urgent ophthalmic evaluation, treatment, and close outpatient follow-up
Key Highlights
The patient presented with bilateral closed angles, shallow anterior chambers, and intraocular pressures of 60–65 mmHg.
Treatment included pressure-lowering medications and manual angle decompression, followed by cyclopentolate, prednisolone acetate, hypertonic sodium chloride for right corneal edema, and systemic methylprednisolone.
The patient stopped using the red light therapy mask; effusions progressively resolved and visual acuity returned to 20/20 in both eyes by 2 months.
The case does not establish causality, and the mechanism linking red light therapy to effusions remains unknown.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
One 43-year-old patient with no previously diagnosed medical or ocular conditions; she reported using an at-home red light therapy mask for 2 weeks and had not used eye protection.
