Suspicious eyes – Elvis's glaucoma battle

Abstract

Elvis Presley (1935–1977) is an iconic figure in modern pop culture. Although many of his medical conditions have been the subject of extensive speculation, less is known about his ophthalmological problems, including steroid-induced glaucoma caused by a life-long use of steroids, both prescribed and self-administered, and secondary angle closure glaucoma most likely due to anterior uveitis. Further, he had an episode of acute angle closure glaucoma in 1971 that was treated with a subconjunctival injection of a mydriatic agent or, less likely, a paracentesis combined with an iridotomy. David Meyer, MD, was Presley's main ophthalmologist from 1971 until the latter's death in 1977.