Angle closure glaucoma, also known as closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma, is a serious and potentially vision-threatening eye condition characterized by the blockage or closure of the drainage angle within the eye. The drainage angle is responsible for allowing the aqueous humor (clear fluid) to flow out of the eye, helping to maintain a healthy intraocular pressure (IOP).
In angle closure glaucoma, the drainage angle becomes narrower or closes completely, leading to a buildup of fluid and an increase in IOP. This can occur suddenly and rapidly, resulting in an acute angle closure attack, or it may happen gradually over time.
Symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms typically arise during an acute angle closure attack and require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing angle closure glaucoma, such as age, family history, being farsighted, certain ethnicities (such as East Asian or Inuit), and certain anatomical features of the eye.
Treatment for angle closure glaucoma involves reducing the intraocular pressure and relieving the blockage in the drainage angle. This may involve medications to lower the eye pressure, laser therapy to open the drainage angle or create a new one, or surgical intervention in more severe cases. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the condition and ensure proper management.
