What is Narrow Angle Glaucoma?

There are two main forms of glaucoma: narrow angle and open angle. Narrow angle glaucoma, also known as acute narrow angle glaucoma or angle closure glaucoma, is the more serious of the two. In general, glaucoma is an increase of pressure within the eye that damages the retina and the optic nerve; the condition can lead to blindness if left untreated. In narrow narrow angle glaucoma, the pressure in the eye increases suddenly and is immediately very painful, whereas in open angle glaucoma, the symptoms appear gradually and become worse over time. Of the people diagnosed with glaucoma, less than ten percent are diagnosed with narrow angle glaucoma. It is typically an inherited disease and is most common in older women.

The most common and evident sign of narrow angle glaucoma is the sudden pain that results from the increase of pressure within the eye. Some individuals experience blurred vision or halos surrounding lights before an actual attack occurs. In addition, some people have red eyes and severe pain that may serve as a warning that an attack is imminent. For some people, the pain associated with the disease is so severe that it causes vomiting or nausea. Generally, if a person receives treatment immediately after experiencing these symptoms, her vision may be saved.

Most people who inherit narrow angle glaucoma have narrower spaces between the corneas and the irises, located behind the cornea. As the person ages, the lens of the eye gets larger and the pupil decreases in size. The smaller size restricts fluid and prevents it from flowing as it should to the area where drainage naturally occurs. As a result, fluid collects behind the iris causing the iris to push forward and block the area that allows the fluid in the eye to drain. This fluid buildup causes a quick rise in pressure within the eye.

Narrow angle glaucoma can be successfully treated if it is discovered early and treated promptly. In the alternative, if it is left untreated, damage to the optic nerve may result. In addition, an untreated patient may develop other types of glaucoma, causing eventual blindness.

In most cases, doctors will perform a peripheral iridectomy to treat this kind of glaucoma. This procedure is usually performed with a laser that is used to create an opening in the eye’s iris that allows the fluid to drain. In some cases, the doctor may advise the patient to have surgery on both eyes to prevent an eventual problem in the unaffected eye.

People affected by narrow angle glaucoma are typically advised not to consume cold remedies that contain certain drugs, such as pseudoephedrine, neo-synephrine, or phenylephrine. In addition, they should avoid antihistamines and remedies for overactive bladders. Typically, there are warning labels on these medications advising people of potential complications. If the person has undergone surgery, these medications may again be taken, but a medical doctor should be consulted first.