Closed-Angle Glaucoma, also known as acute glaucoma, is an eye disease that can lead to rapid and permanent vision loss if not treated urgently. It occurs when intraocular pressure suddenly increases due to an obstruction of the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space where the aqueous humor drains.
Risk Factors for This Condition:
- Having a narrow anterior chamber angle from birth.
- Myopia.
- Family history of closed-angle glaucoma.
- Certain medications, such as anticholinergics and steroids.
- Pupil dilation, which may occur during some eye exams or with certain medications.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma appear suddenly and may include:
- Intense eye pain.
- Blurred or cloudy vision.
- Halos or colored circles around lights.
- Redness of the eye.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headache.
- Sensitivity to light.
Diagnosis of Closed-Angle Glaucoma:
- Measurement of intraocular pressure.
- Examination of the optic nerve.
- Perimetry, a test to assess the visual field.
- Gonioscopy to evaluate the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye.
Treatment for This Type of Glaucoma:
- Eye drops to dilate the pupil and open the angle of the anterior chamber.
- Oral medications to reduce the production of aqueous humor and lower intraocular pressure.
- Laser treatment to create a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor.
- Surgery: in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor.
Prevention:
- Laser iridotomy, a procedure that creates a small opening in the iris to allow drainage of aqueous humor.
- Medications to reduce the risk of an attack
