Acute closed-angle glaucoma: Overview
Closed-angle glaucoma happens when the fluid in your eye can't move as it should. Too much pressure builds up in your eye. This can damage your optic nerve.
This type of glaucoma usually starts very quickly. You may have pain in your eye and blurry vision.
It is important to get treatment as soon as you can. If you wait, you may have permanent vision problems. You could even go blind.
Treatment can't return your eyes to normal. But it can delay or prevent more vision problems.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma (CAG) is an eye disorder in which the colored part of the eye (iris) and the lens block the movement of fluid between the chambers of the eye. Closed-angle glaucoma is also called angle-closure glaucoma.
The blockage of fluid causes pressure to build up in the eye. This causes the iris to press on the drainage system (trabecular meshwork) of the eye. The increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which leads to vision loss and possible blindness. CAG can happen suddenly, or it can develop slowly over time.
Acute closed-angle glaucoma may cause sudden blurred vision with pain and redness, usually in one eye first. It can be an emergency situation that needs immediate medical care to prevent lasting damage to the affected eye. Treatment usually includes surgery, but may include medicines to lower the pressure in the eye if surgery can't be done right away. The opposite eye is usually examined too and eventually treated, because the condition is likely to affect this eye.
CAG that develops slowly is called chronic closed-angle glaucoma. It happens when scar tissue forms between the iris and the drainage system.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Areas of Pain
Pain from closed-angle glaucoma may occur in the eye itself or in the area immediately surrounding the eye, including the forehead.
How is closed-angle glaucoma treated?
Treatment usually includes a type of laser surgery. This may be needed right away. Eyedrops and other medicines may be used to lower the pressure in the eye until surgery can be done. Your doctor may check your other eye and treat it before it becomes affected.
How can you care for yourself when you have acute closed-angle glaucoma?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Use eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine if needed, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
What are some medicines to avoid when you have closed-angle glaucoma?
If you have narrow drainage angles or you have long-term (chronic) closed-angle glaucoma, you may need to avoid medicines that widen (dilate) the pupil, the dark spot in the center of the eye. Having wide pupils when you have these other problems may cause acute closed-angle glaucoma. This is a dangerous condition that requires medical care right away to prevent lasting damage to your eye.
Some examples of prescription and over-the-counter medicines that may dilate the pupils are:
- Antihistamines and decongestants.
- Asthma medicines.
- Motion sickness medicines.
- Some medicines used to treat depression (tricyclic antidepressants).
Talk with your eye specialist about medicines that you should not take.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
In closed-angle glaucoma, the colored part of the eye (iris) and the lens block the movement of fluid between the chambers of the eye. The blockage of fluid causes pressure to build up and makes the iris press on the eye's drainage system (trabecular meshwork). The increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and possible blindness. Closed-angle glaucoma is also sometimes referred to as primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).
Acute closed-angle glaucoma: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse eye pain.
- You have vision changes.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
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