Acute closed angle glaucoma is more common than chronic open angle glaucoma. It occurs primarily in elderly people who are farsighted. It tends to run in families. With aging, the lens of our eyes gradual enlarge. This causes a change in the space that exists between the iris and the cornea. Eventually, this narrowing may becomes significant enough to close of the pathway where aqueous humor exits. Since this fluid, the aqueous humor, is constantly made, it will accumulate in a fairly rapid fashion. The increased pressure can be severe, leading to symptoms of pain and visual loss.
Causes of Glaucoma, Primary Angle-closure
As we age the lens enlarges. This pushes the ciliary body and lens forward. This deformity leads to narrowing of the angle that forms between the iris and the cornea. When this pathway becomes so tight that fluid cannot drain through it as rapidly as needed, acute closed angle glaucoma may develop. The disorder may be trigger by dark conditions, when the iris is dilated, further narrowing the space for aqueous humor to pass.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma, Primary Angle-closure
Sometimes there may be warnings of acute glaucoma. These can come as preliminary attacks that rapidly disappear. However, many attacks of acute closed angle glaucoma come with no warning. They often occur at night, when the light is dim. The dilation of the iris aggravates the narrowing. A red, painful eye may rapidly develop. New onset of headache may develop, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. Blurred vision occurs with halos around lights. The eye is tender, firm and painful. the pupil may appear dilated and does not contract normally when light is shined into it.
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
