Closed Angle Glaucoma

Angle closure glaucoma accounts for about 5-10 percent of all glaucoma. In angle closure glaucoma the pressure elevation usually occurs very rapidly. It is the result of an anatomical abnormality of the iris tissue coming forward and closing the drainage mechanism. The process can be primary, meaning the specific cause is unknown or can be secondary to other disease or injury. Because the pressure buildup can occur over a short period of time it is frequently called acute glaucoma. When it occurs the eye becomes red, painful and light sensitive. Vision is often blurred as well. The pressure can elevate to 5 times normal pressure and is frequently associated with nausea and vomiting. If this type of glaucoma is untreated severe and permanent vision loss can occur over a very short period of time.

Treatment - Closed Angle Glaucoma

Medical treatment consists of many of the same medications that are used for open angle glaucoma. However, the definitive treatment for angle closure glaucoma is surgery and this is usually done as soon as possible after obtaining pressure control with medications.

Peripheral Iridectomy - Open Angle Glaucoma

The surgical treatment consists of reestablishing to correct anatomical relationship between the iris and drainage mechanism. This usually consists of making a small hole in the iris either with a laser iridectomy or surgical iridectomy.

Laser iridectomy can be easily done at a laser machine and the risks are very low. Surgical iridectomy is usually done in an operating room and has a higher risk of complications. 90 percent of cases can be treated by laser iridectomy.