closed angle closure glaucoma

2 min read 08-03-2025

Meta Description: Discover closed-angle glaucoma, a serious eye condition causing vision loss. Learn about its symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options (including laser peripheral iridotomy), and preventative measures. Protect your sight – read now!

Introduction:

Closed-angle glaucoma, also known as angle-closure glaucoma, is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and cornea narrows, blocking the flow of fluid (aqueous humor) out of the eye. This blockage increases intraocular pressure (IOP), damaging the optic nerve and potentially leading to blindness. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for protecting your vision.

What is Closed-Angle Glaucoma?

Closed-angle glaucoma happens when the iris, the colored part of your eye, blocks the drainage angle in your eye. This angle, where the iris meets the cornea, is crucial for the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes the eye. When blocked, the pressure inside the eye builds up, damaging the optic nerve. This damage can lead to gradual or sudden vision loss, even blindness.

Symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (AACG): This is a medical emergency. Symptoms develop rapidly and include:

Severe eye pain
Sudden blurred vision
Halos around lights
Nausea and vomiting
Reddened eye

Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma (CACG): This develops slowly, often with subtle symptoms or none at all. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection. Symptoms can include:

Mild eye aching
Occasional blurred vision
Headaches

Risk Factors for Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

Several factors increase your risk of developing closed-angle glaucoma:

Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after age 60.
Family history: A family history of glaucoma significantly increases your risk.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): People with farsightedness have a shallower anterior chamber, increasing the risk of angle closure.
Asian descent: Individuals of Asian descent have a higher prevalence of this condition.
Eye medications: Certain medications can contribute to angle closure.
Trauma to the eye: Injury can cause changes that lead to angle closure.

Diagnosing Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

Your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including:

Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure (IOP).
Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle of the eye.
Optic nerve evaluation: Assesses the health of the optic nerve.
Visual field testing: Measures your peripheral vision.

Treatment Options for Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Options include:

Medications: Eye drops to lower IOP are often the first line of treatment.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): This minimally invasive laser procedure creates a tiny hole in the iris, allowing fluid to drain properly. It's often a preventative measure or used for acute attacks.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to improve fluid drainage.

How is Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Performed?

LPI is a quick, outpatient procedure. A laser is used to create a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to flow freely and reduce intraocular pressure. This procedure is often effective in preventing future attacks of acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Preventing Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

While you can't always prevent genetic predispositions, regular eye exams are crucial. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and preserving vision.

Conclusion:

Closed-angle glaucoma is a serious condition, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Regular eye exams, particularly after age 40 or if you have risk factors, are essential for protecting your vision. If you experience sudden eye pain, blurred vision, or halos around lights, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment is critical in preventing irreversible vision loss. Remember, proactive care is key to maintaining healthy eyesight.