Narrow-Angle Glaucoma affects the eyesight of countless individuals worldwide.
It is often called Closed-Angle Glaucoma or Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
This type of Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that, if left untreated, can cause irreversible harm to the eye.
In this article, learn more about Narrow-Angle Glaucoma, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma is a condition that causes an increase in pressure inside the eye, potentially damaging the optic nerve.
Narrow Glaucoma, or Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs due to changes in the iris and the cornea.
The eye constantly produces fluid, which gives the eyeball its shape. Channels around the iris allow the fluid to drain away.
If the iris presses forward, the angle between the iris and cornea narrows.
This increases the pressure inside the eye, leading to acute symptoms and potential damage to the optic nerve.
There are two types of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: acute and chronic.
Acute Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
In the acute form, the iris obstructs the drainage channels, which causes increased pressure inside the eye. A truly acute narrow-angle Glaucoma will not resolve on its own.
Chronic Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
In the chronic form, the angle remains narrow but not completely blocked. Some fluid can still drain, but not as much.
To learn more about the types of Glaucoma, read Exploring the Types of Glaucoma: Everything You Need to Know.
Stages of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma typically progresses through several stages, each with its own symptoms and risks.
Understanding these stages might help people recognize the condition early and get treatment.
Doctors use a staging system to describe how severe a person’s angle closure is. These stages include:
- Primary Angle Closure Suspect (PACS): It is the first stage and it happens when the iris touches the spongy tissue near the cornea, known as the Trabecular meshwork. Eye pressure is typical, and there are no adhesions between the iris and angle structures or damage to the optic nerve
- Primary Angle Closure (PAC): This means that pressure is elevated, but there is no damage to the optic nerve
- Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG): This describes optic nerve damage and raised eye pressure. However, in chronic forms, the pressure can be normal
Iris: It is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
Cornea: It is the transparent tissue that sits over the top of iris.
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
The Narrow-Angle Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on whether they are chronic or acute.
The acute form causes a sudden onset of symptoms like:
- Severe one-sided eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Rainbow-colored halos around lights
Chronic Narrow-Angle Glaucoma symptoms, including rainbow-colored halos around lights or visual discomfort, can be less noticeable.
Signs a doctor may observe during an eye exam include:
- Dilated and fixed pupil
- Dilated blood vessels
- Cloudy cornea
- Increased eye pressure
- Swollen optic nerve
- Increased eye pressure
- Adhesions on the iris
- Damage to the optic nerve
- Visual field loss, although there may be no effect on the clarity of a person’s vision
To learn more about Glaucoma symptoms, read Unveiling the Signs: Glaucoma Symptoms, Types, and Early Detection.
Causes of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma occurs when fluid cannot drain from the eye as it should.
Several factors can increase the risk of this happening, such as:
- Family history: People inherit the features of their eyes from their parents and, therefore, the risk of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
- Older age: Narrow Angles are not present in younger people, but because the lens in the eye continues to grow, it can push the iris forward over time. This narrows the angle between the iris and the cornea
- Sex: Females develop Narrow-Angle Glaucoma more often than males, with an incidence ratio of 4:1. It is unclear why this is the case
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma Treatment
Source: rossandhelenTreatment for Narrow-Angle Glaucoma involves reducing pressure in the eye and taking steps to improve fluid drainage.
In acute cases, this involves emergency treatment to stabilize eye pressure via medications, which may include:
- Beta-Blockers
- Alpha-Agonists
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
- Prostaglandin Analogs
When the pressure improves, doctors will perform a procedure to create a drainage channel in the iris.
This is known as a peripheral Iridotomy. Usually, this procedure is successful and produces long-lasting results.
For chronic Narrow-Angle Glaucoma, doctors may aim to increase the flow of eye fluid via medication alone.
To explore more Glaucoma treatment options, read The A to Z of Glaucoma Treatment and Prevention.
Conclusion
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma occurs when fluid cannot drain from the eye due to narrowing between the iris and cornea.
This leads to a buildup of fluid and increased pressure in the eye. When this damages the optic nerve, it can affect vision.
The condition can be chronic or acute, with the acute form being a medical emergency.
Treatment involves reducing pressure in the eye via medications. And it may also involve procedures to create new drainage channels in the iris.
Remember that early treatment can help keep your eyes healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Narrow-Angle Glaucoma be cured?
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma cannot be completely cured. However, seeking treatment can help manage it effectively. Timely intervention, including medications, laser therapy, or surgery, can help prevent further injury to the optic nerve.
What causes Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?
A structural problem within the eye is what primarily causes Narrow-Angle Glaucoma. It happens when the drainage angle between the cornea and the iris narrows or shuts.
While the structural factor is the main cause, other factors such as age, genetics, and certain medical conditions may contribute to the development of this condition.
How long does it take to go blind from Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?
The time it takes to go blind from Narrow-Angle Glaucoma can vary significantly among individuals. It relies on disease severity, diagnosis speed, and treatment efficacy. Untreated acute Narrow-Angle Glaucoma can cause visual loss in days or hours.
How common is Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?
Narrow-Angle Glaucoma is relatively less common than Open-angle Glaucoma, the most prevalent form of the disease.
The prevalence of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma can vary by population and geographic region. It is crucial to consult with an eye specialist to assess your risk and receive appropriate screening and care if needed.
How do I prevent Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?
Several measures can be taken to promote eye health and lower the risk of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma. Regular eye examinations, awareness of symptoms, lifestyle choices, etc., are some steps that can help prevent Narrow-Angle Glaucoma.
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