The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is angle-closure glaucoma? " � Glaucoma is a disease that damages the main nerve in the eye, called the "optic nerve. " � There are 2 types of glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma (also called "narrow angle glaucoma " �) is the less common type. The more common type is called "open angle glaucoma. " � � �
Glaucoma is usually caused by pressure inside the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the fluid-draining system in the eye gets blocked. This causes eye pressure to rise quickly. It is different from open-angle glaucoma, which happens when eye pressure builds up slowly. � �
What are the symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma? " � The symptoms include: � �
- Vision loss
- Seeing halos around lights
- Headache
- Very bad eye pain
- Feeling sick (nausea) and throwing up (vomiting)
- Redness in the white part of the eye
- Swelling and cloudiness in the colored part of the eye
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. You should see an eye doctor right away if you have symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma. If you cannot get an appointment, go to an emergency room. � �
Is there a test for angle-closure glaucoma? " � Yes. To check for angle-closure glaucoma, doctors can use a few different tests. They can: � �
- Look into the back of your eye with a magnifying tool to check for signs of nerve damage
- Use a special tool to measure the angle at the opening where fluid drains from the eye
- Check how well you see things in the center of your field of vision, and how well you see things that are off to the side
- Check the pressure inside your eye by pushing or blowing on your eye with a special tool
How is angle-closure glaucoma treated? " � Treatments for angle-closure glaucoma work by lowering the pressure inside the eye. They include: � �
- Medicines " � These are usually given as eye drops. Sometimes, the medicines are given as pills or through a small tube in a vein, called an "IV. " �
- Laser therapy " � Laser therapy helps fluid drain from the eye.
- Surgery " � Surgery involves making a small opening or inserting a tiny tube in the eye so that fluid can drain better.
People with angle-closure glaucoma who have not had laser therapy or surgery should not take certain over-the-counter medicines. Taking them might cause the problem to come back. These medicines include: � �
- Medicines to treat cold and allergy symptoms
- Medicines to treat motion sickness
What can I do to prevent angle-closure glaucoma? " � Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in some families. If you have a family history of this condition, be sure to get regular eye exams, especially after middle age. If you have angle-closure glaucoma, tell your relatives (children, brothers, or sisters) that they should be tested. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83393 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �