Ep. 023: All About Angle-Closure (Narrow-Angle) Glaucoma with Wendy Kirkland, MD

Angle-closure, or narrow-angle, glaucoma is the other major type of glaucoma that can afflict patients. Fluid inside of the eye drains in the trabecular meshwork, the space between the cornea and the iris. When this space, or angle, narrows down, the trabecular meshwork can get blocked, which can cause the eye pressure to rise and increase the risk of glaucoma. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Kirkland explains all aspects of angle-closure glaucoma.

There are several categories for this type of angle configuration in the eye.

• Primary angle-closure suspect 
•  Primary angle-closure 
•  Primary angle-closure glaucoma
•  Acute angle-closure crisis

The risk factors for angle-closure include 

• Asian descent
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Older age
• Female gender
• Short axial length (length of the eyeball)
• The size, shape, or position of the crystalline lens

Like primary open-angle glaucoma, many patients with angle-closure have no symptoms so this is why it is important to have your eyes examined on a regular basis. The eye doctor can perform a gonioscopy exam to diagnose whether you need to have treatment to correct this condition. 

The signs and symptoms of an acute angle-closure crisis or attack include blurred vision, slightly dilated pupil, a red eye, extreme eye pain, headache, and nausea and vomiting.

Plateau iris and secondary causes of angle-closure need to be ruled out to administer the proper treatment. 

Treatments include a YAG laser peripheral iridotomy or cataract surgery.

Here is another site where you can learn more about narrow-angle glaucoma. 

To find out more about Dr. Wendy Kirkland and her practice, go to Arena Eye Surgeons' practice website.

This is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing in this podcast/blog is to be considered as recommending or rendering medical advice or treatment to a specific patient. Please consult your eye care specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment of any eye conditions that you may have.