Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Information

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye. It is also called intraocular pressure. There are several types of glaucoma. Angle closure glaucoma is caused by a malformation of the eye's drainage structures. There are two subcategories of angle closure glaucoma: primary and acute. Primary angle closure glaucoma accounts for approximately 10% of glaucoma patients. Angle closure glaucoma occurs when the angle, or area where the aqueous fluid drains via the trabecular meshwork, becomes obstructed.

In the United States, fewer than 10% of glaucoma cases are due to angle-closure glaucoma. In Asia, angle-closure glaucoma is more common than open-angle glaucoma. AACG predominately affects females because of their shallower anterior chamber. Angle-closure glaucoma among American Indians is lower than among whites. In whites, angle-closure glaucoma is 3 times higher in women than in men. In blacks, men and women are affected equally. As people age, the lens of the eye enlarges and pushes the iris forward, thus increasing the risk for angle-closure glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency because optic nerve damage and vision loss can occur within hours of the onset of the problem. Topical steroids reduce the inflammatory reaction and diminish optic nerve damage.

Hyperosmotic agents are useful for several reasons. They reduce vitreous volume, which, in turn, decreases IOP. Angle-closure glaucoma must be treat with laser therapy or surgical therapy. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty can be used postoperatively to further flatten the peripheral iris and to prevent synechial reattachment. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, several drugs are used simultaneously to accelerate and maximize their pressure-lowering effects. The drugs lower IOP by increasing the outflow of the fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye or by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist may identify people who are at risk for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Eye drops and oral medication is often necessary to reduced the intraocular pressure

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Treatrment and Prevention Tips

1. Pilocarpine must be used in glaucoma.

2. Hyperosmotic agents are useful for several cases of glaucoma.

3. Topical steroids reduce the inflammatory reaction and diminish optic nerve damage.

4. Eye drops and oral medication is often necessary to reduced the intraocular pressure.

5. Beta-blockers and Acetazolamide also recommended.