The Anatomy
A Blocked Drainage Angle
The angle, or drainage system, of the eye can become blocked by other structures in the eye — most commonly the iris.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
This category of glaucoma is not as common, but it can be devastating if acute glaucoma develops. Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction provides expert evaluation and treatment of closed-angle glaucoma, serving Beverly Hills, Burbank, and greater Los Angeles.
Signs of an Acute Angle-Closure Attack
Unlike open-angle glaucoma, an acute attack comes on suddenly and is a medical emergency. Seek care immediately if you experience:
- Sudden, severe eye pain
- Severe headache, often on the same side as the affected eye
- Blurred vision that comes on quickly
- Halos or rainbow rings around lights
- Nausea or vomiting accompanying the eye pain
- A red eye that came on suddenly
Do Not Wait for a Routine Appointment
Acute angle-closure can raise eye pressure dramatically within hours and cause permanent optic nerve damage. Call 866-2-SEE FAR immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room if it is after hours.
What Is Closed-Angle Glaucoma?
This category of glaucoma is not as common, but it may be devastating if acute glaucoma ensues.
“Closed angle” refers to the angle, or drainage system, of the eye, which can become blocked by other structures in the eye — most commonly the iris. Some eyes are anatomically shaped such that the iris comes forward and blocks the drainage system.
Because fluid is continually being produced and drained from the eye, a blocked drainage system can cause the eye pressure to increase dramatically within a few hours, which can wreak havoc in the eye.
Learn About Glaucoma
How Closed-Angle Glaucoma Develops
Understanding how the drainage angle becomes blocked helps explain why closed-angle glaucoma can escalate so quickly.
The Cause
A Forward-Sitting Iris
Some eyes are anatomically shaped such that the iris comes forward and blocks the drainage system, preventing fluid from draining normally.
The Risk
Rapid Pressure Rise
Because fluid is continually produced and drained, a blocked drainage system can cause eye pressure to increase dramatically within a few hours.
Acute angle-closure can come on rapidly and is a medical emergency. If you experience sudden eye pain, severe headache, or halos around lights, seek emergency care right away.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain eyes are anatomically predisposed to angle closure. Knowing your risk means the angle can be checked — and treated preventively — before an attack ever happens.
Anatomy
A Narrow Drainage Angle
Eyes with a shallow anterior chamber and a naturally narrow angle are the most susceptible. Your ophthalmologist can assess this during an exam.
Farsightedness
Hyperopia
Farsighted eyes tend to be shorter with more crowded internal anatomy, which narrows the drainage angle.
Age & Family
Age Over 40 & Family History
Risk increases with age as the lens thickens, and a family history of angle-closure raises your own risk.
Ancestry
Certain Ancestries
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs more frequently in people of East Asian and Inuit descent.
Medications
Pupil-Dilating Medications
Some medications can dilate the pupil and trigger an attack in a susceptible eye. Tell your doctor if you have been told you have narrow angles.
Prevention
Preventive Laser Treatment
If a narrow angle is found before an attack occurs, a laser peripheral iridotomy can often prevent one from ever happening.
Treatment of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage and lower the eye pressure before lasting damage occurs.
The preferred treatment for closed or narrow-angle glaucoma uses a laser. This particular kind of laser, called peripheral iridotomy, is curative and deepens the angle where the drainage system was initially blocked or narrow. It creates a tiny opening in the iris so fluid can flow freely again.
During an acute attack, medications are given first to bring the pressure down quickly, and the laser is performed once the eye has quieted. In eyes found to have narrow angles before an attack, the same laser is often done preventively. Prompt evaluation is essential to protect the eye from the rapid pressure changes that can accompany this condition.
Treatment of Closed-Angle GlaucomaWhy Choose Berg-Feinfield
Our ophthalmologists evaluate the drainage angle carefully and act quickly when closed-angle glaucoma is a concern.
Because closed-angle glaucoma can escalate within hours, timely evaluation and treatment matter. From identifying at-risk anatomy to performing laser treatment, our team guides you at every step with the goal of protecting your sight.
Explore Glaucoma CareClosed-angle glaucoma is less common than open-angle glaucoma, but when it turns acute, every hour counts. Early evaluation is the best protection for your vision.
Our experienced ophthalmologists can identify at-risk eyes and treat closed-angle glaucoma to help preserve your sight.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma FAQs
Answers to common questions about closed-angle glaucoma at Berg-Feinfield.
What is closed-angle glaucoma?
Closed-angle glaucoma is a less common form of glaucoma in which the angle, or drainage system, of the eye becomes blocked by other structures — most commonly the iris. It can be devastating if acute glaucoma ensues.
What causes the drainage angle to close?
Some eyes are anatomically shaped such that the iris comes forward and blocks the drainage system, preventing fluid from draining normally.
Why can eye pressure rise so quickly?
Fluid is continually being produced and drained from the eye. If the drainage becomes blocked, the eye pressure can increase dramatically within a few hours and cause havoc in the eye.
Is closed-angle glaucoma an emergency?
Acute angle-closure can come on rapidly and is a medical emergency. Sudden eye pain, severe headache, blurred vision, nausea, or halos around lights warrant immediate medical attention.
Who is most at risk?
People with naturally narrow drainage angles, farsighted (hyperopic) eyes, those over 40, those with a family history of angle-closure, and people of East Asian or Inuit descent are at higher risk. Certain pupil-dilating medications can also trigger an attack in a susceptible eye.
How is closed-angle glaucoma treated?
The preferred treatment uses a laser procedure called peripheral iridotomy, which is curative and deepens the angle where the drainage system was blocked or narrow. During an acute attack, medications are used first to lower the pressure quickly.
Can an attack be prevented?
Often, yes. If a narrow angle is identified during a routine eye exam before an attack occurs, a preventive laser peripheral iridotomy can frequently keep one from ever happening.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation
Ready to protect your vision? Request an appointment or call our team to start your personalized closed-angle glaucoma evaluation at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction.