Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical care from a licensed doctor.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Alone in the USA, more than 120,000 people experienced loss of vision due to Glaucoma.
There are four major types of Glaucoma. However, Open Angle Glaucoma and Closed Angle Glaucoma are the two main types of Glaucoma.
But what are the key differences between Open Angle and Closed Angle glaucoma?
In this Open vs Closed Angle Glaucoma comparison guide, we will compare these two types of Glaucoma based on their symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Let us dive into the article and discuss the comparison in detail.
Open vs Closed Angle Glaucoma: Key Differences
Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) and Closed Angle Glaucoma(CAG) are the two types of Glaucoma.
Although both eye conditions have several similarities, they are different from each other.
OAG is the most common type of Glaucoma, whereas CAG is a rare type of Glaucoma.
In OAG, the drainage angle formed by the Iris and Cornea remains open.
And in the case of CAG, the drainage angle formed by the Cornea and Iris is closed or obstructed.
OAG is a painless eye condition and affects both eyes, whereas CAG typically affects one eye, but there are 40-80% chances of developing acute CAG in the unaffected eye.
CAG is considered a medical emergency, as people might lose vision within one day of developing symptoms.
Therefore, it is essential to contact medical experts if you are experiencing CAG or OAG.
Open Angle Glaucoma vs Closed Angle Glaucoma: Differences in their Symptoms
Source: RidoBoth Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma also differ in symptoms.
There are limited symptoms of Open Angle Glaucoma. It doesn’t show any signs or symptoms during its initial stage.
However, changes in vision are the first and most commonly experienced symptoms of Open Angle Glaucoma.
The other symptoms of OAG include a gradual increase in the patchy blind spots in the peripheral vision, swollen or bulging Corneas, and redness in the eyes.
However, people don’t experience any change until their optic nerve has sustained up to 40% of the damage.
In the case of Closed Angle Glaucoma, individuals might experience a sudden loss of vision.
Besides vision loss, other severe symptoms of CAG include-
- Headaches
- Severe eye pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos or colored rings around lights
- Eye redness
It is vital to note that both OAG and CAG require immediate medical care from a licensed and authorized eye specialist.
Therefore, it would be beneficial to visit medical experts if you are experiencing the symptoms of either OAG or CAG.
Open Angle Glaucoma vs Closed Angle Glaucoma: Differences in their Causes and Risks
Source: PixelshotThere are several causes of Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma. However, both OAG and CAG differ in their causes.
The cause of Open Angle Glaucoma is unknown. However, it might be caused by inefficient Aqueous Humor drainage.
OAG might also be caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the optic nerve.
In the case of CAG, it is caused when the fluids of the eyes are suddenly blocked and cannot flow out of the eye. This leads to a sudden and severe rise in pressure in the eyes.
There are several other factors that might increase the risk of OAG and CAG.
Family history, old age, tumors, and Hypotension are common risk factors for OAG.
On the other hand, the common risk factors for CAG are genetic factors, gender, aging, and ethnicity.
Open Angle Glaucoma vs Closed Angle Glaucoma: Differences in their Treatments
Both OAG and CAG are severe eye conditions that require immediate care from an eye doctor.
However, the treatment of CAG and OAG is different from each other.
The doctor can prescribe an effective treatment based on the type of Glaucoma, severity of the condition, and medical history of an individual.
The treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma includes eye drops, laser treatments, and surgery.
Meanwhile, the treatment of Closed Angle Glaucoma includes surgeries and medications such as Acetazolamide and Beta-blockers.
The main objective of the treatment of CAG is to lower the pressure on the eyes.
Besides these treatment options, Cataract surgery might also help to treat and prevent CAG.
However, it is essential to note that consulting a doctor is necessary to effectively treat both types of Glaucoma, OAG, and CAG.
Key Notes
Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma are two common types of Glaucoma.
The comparison guide of Open vs Closed Angle Glaucoma can help find the difference between Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma.
OAG is a common type of Glaucoma, whereas CAG is a rare type of Glaucoma.
OAG might be caused by insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve, whereas CAG might be caused by the blockage of fluids in the eyes.
The common visible signs of OAG are changes in vision.
In the case of CAG, the common symptoms include headaches, redness in the eyes, and blurred vision.
There are several treatment options available for the management of OAG and CAG. However, it is essential to seek an experienced and qualified medical expert for the treatment.
An experienced doctor will prescribe effective treatment options for the management of OAG and CAG based on the symptoms and severity of the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more common, Open Angle Glaucoma or Closed Angle Glaucoma?
Open Angle Glaucoma is more common compared to Closed Angle Glaucoma. 90% of the cases of Glaucoma are OAG.
According to the experts, approximately 111.8 million people will be affected by OAG worldwide by 2040. Therefore, it is vital to visit a doctor to effectively treat OAG.
Is Closed Angle Glaucoma curable?
Yes, Closed Angle Glaucoma is curable. Peripheral Iridectomy is a procedure that might help to cure CAG. It involves creating a tiny hole in the iris with the help of lasers so that aqueous humor can escape. However, it is vital to visit a doctor before undergoing this procedure.
What are the common signs and symptoms of Closed Angle Glaucoma?
There are several common symptoms of CAG you need to look out for. Headaches, severe eye pain, Nausea or vomiting, and blurred vision are some common symptoms of CAG. It is vital to look out for these signs and symptoms for an effective diagnosis and treatment of CAG.
Are there any differences between Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma in terms of their treatment?
Yes, there are differences in the treatment of Open Angle and Closed Angle Glaucoma. The typical treatment of OAG includes eye drops.
However, doctors might also prescribe laser treatments and surgery. In the case of CAG, it is vital to undergo immediate laser treatment for the effective management of the condition.
Are there any factors that might increase the risk of OAG?
Yes, there are several factors that might increase the risk of OAG. Some common risk factors of OAG include old age, family history of Glaucoma, African ancestry, and tumors. Seek an immediate medical consultation to prevent the risk of OAG.
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