by Diana Kohnle
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Glaucoma represents a group of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease and one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a condition in which the iris in the eye shifts and blocks the exit passageway of the aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the eye. This fluid blockage causes a rapid build-up of pressure in the eye.
Angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical treatment to preserve vision.
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The exact cause of open-angle glaucoma is unknown. However, factors that play a role in causing the disease include:
- Narrowing of the drainage angle in the eyeAging and being farsighted are two causes of this narrowing.
- Being born with narrow angles
- Injury to the eye
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing angle-closure glaucoma:
- Family history of narrow angle glaucoma
- Glaucoma in one eyeThis increases the risk of developing glaucoma in the other eye.
- Ethnic backgroundAsians are at greater risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
- Injury to the eye
- Eye drops used to dilate the eyes
- Certain systemic medications
Patients with narrow angles experience few or no symptoms until the disease has progressed to an acute angle-closure attack. Symptoms of this may include:
Severe pain in the eyeFacial painPupil not reacting to lightBlurred or cloudy visionNauseaVomitingRedness and swelling of the eye DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: Eye examTonometry to determine intraocular pressure Slit lamp examinationthe use of a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source, allows a narrow beam that can be focused to examine the front of the eyeGonioscopythe use of a special mirror to view the drainage angle of the eye Treatment Angle-closure glaucoma requires emergency medical treatment to preserve vision. See an ophthalmologist immediately if you have any signs or symptoms of an angle-closure glaucoma attack. Treatment options include: MedicationsEye drops, pills, and sometimes even intravenous drugs are often administered to reduce intraocular pressure.SurgerySurgery (usually done by laser) may be used to stop or prevent an attack of angle-closure glaucoma. PreventionAngle-closure glaucoma cannot be prevented, but prompt medical treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss. Patients at high risk of having an angle-closure glaucoma attack may undergo preventive surgery to open a new channel in the iris. Since you cant tell if you have narrow angles, it is important to have a comprehensive eye examination regularly.
RESOURCES: The Glaucoma Foundationhttp://www.glaucomafoundation.org/ Glaucoma Research Foundationhttp://www.glaucoma.org/index.php St. Luke's Eye Cataract & Laser Institutehttp://www.stlukeseye.com/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: Glaucoma Canadahttp://www.glaucomacanada.com/ Glaucoma Research Society of Canadahttp://www.glaucomaresearch.ca/ References: Acute glaucoma (primary angle closure glaucoma). International Glaucoma Association website. Available at: http://www.glaucoma-association.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=714&=fromcfc&tt=article&lang=en&site_id=483 .Accessed July 16, 2007. Blindness. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/blindness/en/ . Glaucoma. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001620.htm .Accessed June 27, 2007. Glaucoma. US National Institutes of Health. National Eye Institute website. Available at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp .Accessed June 27, 2007. Spaeth G. What is angle closure glaucoma? Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness website. Available at: http://wills-glaucoma.org/aclose.htm .Accessed June 27, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2007 by Marc Ellman, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
