Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

Narrow-angle glaucoma is much rarer and is very different from open-angle glaucoma in that eye pressure usually goes up very fast. This happens when the drainage canals get blocked or covered over. The iris gets pushed against the lens of the eye, shutting off the drainage angle. Sometimes the lens and the iris stick to each other. This results in pressure increasing suddenly, usually in one eye. There may be a feeling of fullness in the eye along with reddening, swelling, and blurred vision.

Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma:

The onset of acute narrow-angle glaucoma is typically rapid, constituting an emergency. If not treated promptly, this glaucoma produces blindness in the affected eye in three to five days. Symptoms may include:

Inflammation and pain
Pressure over the eye
Moderate pupil dilation that’s non-reactive to light
Cloudy cornea
Blurring and decreased visual acuity
Extreme sensitivity to light
Seeing halos around lights
Nausea and/or vomiting

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Causes of narrow-angle glaucoma:

Defect in the eye structure
Anything that causes the pupil to dilate — dim lighting, dilation drops
Certain oral or injected medications
Blow to the eye
Diabetes-related growth of abnormal blood vessels over the angle

Diagnosing narrow-angle glaucoma:

Tonometry is used to check your eye pressure

An ophthalmoscope is used to examine your optic nerve

Goniscopy is used to help your glaucoma type

Gonioscopy is used to help your glaucoma type

Everyone should be checked for glaucoma at around age 35 and again at age 40. Those considered to be at higher risk for narrow-angle glaucoma, including those who are Asian, farsighted, or over the age of 60, should have their pressure checked every year or two. Because of the rapid, potentially devastating results of narrow-angle glaucoma, you should seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. During eye exams, Dr. Smith will use tonometry to check your eye pressure. After applying numbing drops, the tonometer is gently pressed against the eye and its resistance is measured and recorded. An ophthalmoscope can be used to examine the shape and color of your optic nerve. The ophthalmoscope magnifies and lights up the inside of the eye. If the optic nerve appears to be cupped or is not a healthy pink color, additional tests will be run. Gonioscopy is used to determine whether the angle where the iris meets the cornea is open or closed, a key difference between open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle glaucoma.

Treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma:

Laser Iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is a common treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma. During this procedure, a laser is used to create a small hole in the iris, restoring the flow of fluid to the front of the eye. In most patients, the iridotomy is placed in the upper portion of the iris, under the upper eyelid, where it cannot be seen.

Filtration Surgery

Filtration surgery is performed when medicines and/or laser surgery are unsuccessful in controlling eye pressure. During this microscopic procedure, a new drainage channel is created to allow fluid to drain from the eye.

Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma:

Causes of narrow-angle glaucoma:

Diagnosing narrow-angle glaucoma:

Treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma:

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