Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Medical Author:
Robert J Noecker, MD
Coauthor:
Lauri Graham
Medical Editor:
Richard W Allinson, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Robert H Graham, MD
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma OverviewAcute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris (the colored part of the eye) is pushed or pulled up against the trabecular meshwork (or drainage channels) at the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye. When the iris is pushed or pulled up against the trabecular meshwork, the fluid (called aqueous humor) that normally flows out of the eye is blocked and cannot drain out, thereby increasing the IOP. See Multimedia files 1-2. If the angle closes suddenly, symptoms are severe and dramatic. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. If the angle closes intermittently or gradually, angle-closure glaucoma may be confused with chronic open-angle glaucoma, another type of glaucoma. 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. Certain races (eg, Asians, Eskimos) have narrow angles and, thus, are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma than whites. 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. Viewer Comments & ReviewsAcute Angle-Closure Glaucoma - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were your symptoms of acute-angle-closure glaucoma? |
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Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Glaucoma Overview
Glaucoma refers to certain eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Most, but not all, of these diseases typically produce elevated pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal IOP is measured in millimeters of mercury and can range from 10-21 mm Hg. An elevated IOP is the most important risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
Elevated IOP is sometimes called ocular hypertension. If your doctor diagnoses ocular hypertension, it does not mean you have glaucoma, but it does mean you are at a higher risk for developing the condition, and you should see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) frequently.
Half of the people with glaucoma are usually unaware of it until a serious loss of vision has occurred.
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma, some of which are elevated IOP, a family history, ethnic background,...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Glaucoma, Angle Closure, Acute »
Angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is a condition in which the iris is apposed to the trabecular meshwork at the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye.
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