Among the various kinds of Glaucoma, one is Closed-Angle Glaucoma. You may also know it by the name of angle-closure Glaucoma or narrow-angle Glaucoma.
In this type of Glaucoma, the pressure builds up in the eye, leading to pain. This is an uncommon type of Glaucoma.
The pressure inside the eye may build up suddenly or gradually to cause Closed-Angle Glaucoma.
This article will discuss everything about Closed-Angle Glaucoma, from its types to treatments.
What is Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-Angle or Narrow-angle Glaucoma is a type of Glaucoma in which the pressure in the eye becomes too high.
If left untreated, Closed-Angle Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.
It is a medical emergency in which the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) rises as the fluids are unable to drain out of the eye.
The fluid is produced behind the iris of an eye, which normally flows through the pupil into the front chamber of the eyeball.
The fluid then goes into the veins of the sclera (the white of the eye) through a tabular meshwork.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma occurs when there is an obstruction in the flow of fluid through the tabular meshwork.
This causes the Intraocular Pressure to rise, resulting in vision problems.
To get a better understanding of Glaucoma, read Everything to Know About the Silent Thief of Sight: Glaucoma.
Buy Pilocar Eye Drop 5 ml (Pilocarpine) to lower IOP and treat Closed-angle Glaucoma.
Types of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
There are two types of close-angle or narrow-angle Glaucoma: primary and secondary.
Primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma occurs because of the structure of the eye, while secondary due to changes in the eye.
Let’s learn more about these Glaucoma types in detail below.
Primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma
In primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma, the eye structure is such that the iris is more likely to press against the tabular meshwork. This may be because:
- The angle between the iris and cornea is narrow
- The eyeball is short as measured from the front and back
- The lens inside the eye is thick, which pushes the iris forward
- The iris in the eye is thin
Secondary Closed-Angle Glaucoma
In secondary Closed-Angle Glaucoma, an underlying condition can cause changes in the eye structure. These changes may push the iris against the tabular meshwork.
Such underlying conditions that cause these changes may include:
- Tumor
- Advanced cataract (clouding of the eye’s lens)
- Inflammation
- Eye injury
- Diabetes
Closed-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
Signs or symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma include:
- Blurred vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights
Usually, the symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma present themselves suddenly.
You should note that it is not necessary for you to face all the symptoms of the condition to receive a diagnosis.
To get a better understanding of Glaucoma symptoms, read Unveiling the Signs: Glaucoma Symptoms, Types, and Early Detection.
Treatment for Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Source: brand320634938Since Closed-Angle Glaucoma is an emergency, it requires immediate medical treatment. It may involve medications or surgery.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma treatment may involve the use of several drugs, including
- Acetazolamide to reduce the fluid in your eye
- Drugs to treat nausea and vomiting
- Beta-blockers, which lower the amount of fluid your eye produces
- Steroids, which reduce inflammation
- Pilocarpine, which widens the angle between your iris and cornea
These medications will help you lower the pressure in the eye. Once the pressure is lowered, you may need surgery to prevent the pressure from rising again.
There are two surgeries to treat Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Peripheral Iridotomy and Surgical Iridectomy.
Peripheral Iridotomy widens the angle between the iris and cornea to treat Closed-angle Glaucoma.
To learn about more Glaucoma treatments, read The A to Z of Glaucoma Treatment and Prevention.
Summing Up
Closed-Angle Glaucoma is an uncommon type compared to Open-Angle Glaucoma.
In this eye condition, the Intraocular Pressure or pressure inside the eye builds up as the fluid is unable to flow out.
This may be due to an obstruction in the tabular meshwork, which allows the fluid to drain out of the eye.
Primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma may occur due to the structure of the eye. Whereas secondary Closed-Angle Glaucoma may be due to changes in the eye structure caused by underlying conditions.
Typically, symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma, such as sudden eye pain and blurred vision, appear suddenly.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. The doctor may suggest Glaucoma eye drops like Bimatoprost to lower IOP.
Once the pressure in the eye has reduced, they may recommend surgery to prevent Closed-Angle Glaucoma further.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Closed-Angle Glaucoma be prevented?
It is not possible to prevent the anatomical or hereditary factors that lead to primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma.
However, regular eye check-ups can help detect and manage the condition before it becomes acute.
Is Closed-Angle Glaucoma hereditary?
There is a genetic component to some forms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma, so if it runs in your family, it’s important to inform your eye doctor.
Can Closed-Angle Glaucoma be managed with eye drops alone?
In some cases, eye drops may be sufficient to manage the condition. Still, depending on an individual’s severity and underlying causes, one might require additional treatments.
Can Closed Angle Glaucoma lead to blindness?
Without prompt treatment, Closed-Angle Glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness. Early medical intervention is crucial to prevent this outcome.
How often should I have my eyes checked for Closed-Angle Glaucoma?
It’s advisable to have regular eye exams, especially if you are at higher risk due to family history or other factors.
Your eye doctor can recommend the appropriate frequency based on your individual risk factors.
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