What is primary closed-angle glaucoma?
What is primary closed-angle glaucoma?
Primary angle-closure glaucoma is associated with closure of the anterior chamber angle of the eye, in contrast to the most common form of glaucoma known as primary open-angle glaucoma. This angle is an important structure in the eye, and is present 360 degrees around the circumference of the eye.
What causes primary closed-angle glaucoma?
Primary angle closure glaucoma is caused by relative pupillary block in the majority of cases. In pupillary block, aqueous humor encounters increased resistance as it flows from the posterior to anterior chamber through the iris-lens channel. Some degree of relative pupillary block is present in most phakic eyes.
How is primary closed-angle glaucoma treated?
Treating closed-angle glaucoma
- acetazolamide, which reduces the fluid in your eye.
- beta blockers, which lower the amount of fluid your eye produces.
- steroids, which reduce inflammation.
- painkillers (as a comfort measure)
- drugs to treat nausea and vomiting.
- pilocarpine, which opens the angle between your iris and cornea.
What is the difference between primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle closure glaucoma?
In open-angle glaucoma, the iris is in the right position, and the uveoscleral drainage canals are clear. But the trabecular meshwork isn’t draining properly. In closed-angle glaucoma, the iris is squeezed against the cornea, blocking the uveoscleral drains and the trabecular meshwork.
What is PSS syndrome?
Posner-Schlossman Syndrome (PSS), also known as glaucomatocyclitic crisis, is a disease typified by acute, unilateral, recurrent attacks of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) accompanied by mild anterior chamber inflammation.
How is closed-angle glaucoma diagnosed?
A likely diagnosis may be made by your GP, by an emergency doctor or by an optician. The diagnosis is confirmed by an examination done by an eye specialist (an ophthalmologist). This usually involves examining your eye using a special light and magnifier called a slit lamp and measuring the pressure in your eye.
What is the first line treatment for angle-closure glaucoma?
The treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) consists of IOP reduction, suppression of inflammation, and the reversal of angle closure. Once diagnosed, the initial intervention includes acetazolamide, a topical beta-blocker, and a topical steroid.
Why is closed-angle glaucoma a medical emergency?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency as it can lead to irreversible blindness if not identified and treated immediately.
