Background: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neuro-oculocutaneous
disorder. Ocular involvement can include glaucoma and vascular malformatio
ns of the conjunctiva, episclera, choroid, and retina.
Methods: The records of 19 Sturge-Weber syndrome patients (mean age 8.2 yea
rs) treated at our institution were reviewed to determine the incidence of
ophthalmologic manifestations in Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Results: Glaucoma occurred in 42% of all patients and was more frequent in
patients with a port-wine stain involving both upper and lower eyelids. Oth
er ocular manifestations included conjunctival/episcleral hemangioma, choro
idal hemangioma, iris heterochromia, retinal detachment, strabismus, and ho
monymous hemianopia. In 7 of 8 patients with glaucoma, topical pharmacother
apy (beta-blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) alone failed to norma
lize intraocular pressures. In those patients, cryocoagulation of the cilia
ry body was performed. Mean postoperative intraocular pressure after a mean
follow-up of 4-5 years was <22 mm Hg in 6 patients.
Conclusions: Cryocoagulation of the ciliary body combined with topical medi
cation is an effective and safe treatment option in the management of glauc
oma in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome.