Open-Angle vs Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Glaucoma affects about 3 million people in the US. It is the 2nd leading cause of blindness, but is very often preventable with early detection and treatment. Most commonly, glaucoma is painless and symptom free until significant disease progression, which is why a comprehensive eye exam is needed for early diagnosis. The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown but is most commonly caused by increased eye pressure or a decrease of blood supply to the optic nerve.

There are two most common types of glaucoma:

1. Open-angle glaucoma

High eye pressure over time, causing damage to the optic nerve
Most common form of glaucoma
Slow development without symptoms until substantial nerve damage
If left untreated, can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness

2. Angle-closure glaucoma

Less common form of glaucoma
Blocking of the drainage system in the eye causing eye pressure to shoot up
This is an eye emergency as this can cause blindness quickly
Signs of angle closure attack: contact your eye care provider immediately if noticing any of these
- Sudden decreased vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rainbow-colored halos/glare around lights

Common Glaucoma Risk Factors

Over 60 years of age
Family history of glaucoma
African, Hispanic or Asian heritage
High near- or far-sightedness
Steroid medication use (oral medications, creams, inhalers, injections, etc)
Medical history of diabetes, migraines, hypertension, heart disease
History of eye injury/trauma

Types of glaucoma testing

Here are some types of testing that you may encounter during your eye exam to evaluate your risk of glaucoma:

Measuring the eye pressure
Inspecting the drainage system of the eye
Measuring corneal thickness
Imaging or scans of the optic nerve and retina
Assessing peripheral vision or “visual field”

Treatment options

Glaucoma damage is permanent and there is currently no cure, but treatment can slow progression to stop further damage. Treatment is aimed at reducing the pressure in the eye. This can be accomplished through eye drops, laser procedures, and/or surgery.

The most common initial treatment is eye drops. There are various drop medications that work in different ways to lower eye pressure, so many patients may be prescribed multiple drops.

Laser procedures also aim to lower eye pressure and can sometimes replace or reduce the need for eye drops. Laser procedures occasionally need to be repeated or can lose effectiveness over time. Surgical interventions are usually reserved for patients with severe disease. Newer minimally invasive glaucoma procedures are also available for certain patients.

Treatments may need to be adjusted periodically in order to best control the eye pressure and prevent progression.

Prevention: The best way to prevent glaucoma is early detection through annual comprehensive eye exams. If diagnosed, timely treatment initiation, compliance to treatment, and regular monitoring as directed by your eye care provider all help reduce the chance of vision loss from this disease.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stratton at Arbor Eyecare.

Dr. Aleksandra