Narrow angle glaucoma is also called acute angle-closure glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma.
This monicker is not used for narrow angle glaucoma because it produces severe symptoms that cannot be overlooked.
An acute episode of narrow angle glaucoma is considered a medical eye emergency.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
If the pressure is not reduced quickly, you may have permanent vision loss.
Causes
The front part of the eye houses the anterior chamber.
Some people have a shallow anterior chamber, narrowing the angle of the eye.
In such eyes, the iris can bunch up as the pupil dilates and close off the angle.
The iris can sometimes end the angle by dilating in a dark room, such as a movie theater.
Tumors andsevere diabetic eye diseasecan also cause narrow angle glaucoma.
Many times, an oral medication called acetazolamide is given to reduce the pressure and fluid systemically.
An iridotomy is a very small hole in the iris that allows the fluid to pass through.
Prevention
It is possible to identify people who may be at risk for developing narrow angle glaucoma.
Physicians can perform a peripheral iridotomy (PI) as described above even if you are not experiencing symptoms.
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