A less common form of Glaucoma is Closed Angle (or Narrow-Angle Glaucoma or Angle-Closure Glaucoma). Closed-Angle Glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked. Unlike Open-Angle Glaucoma, eye pressure usually goes up very fast. The pressure rises because the iris — the colored part of the eye — partially or completely blocks off the drainage angle. People of Asian descent and those with Hyperopia (farsightedness) tend to be more at risk for developing this form of Glaucoma.
If the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, eye pressure rises quickly resulting in a Closed-Angle Glaucoma attack. Symptoms of an attack include: severe eye or brow pain, redness of the eye, decreased or blurred vision, seeing colored rainbows or halos, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
A Closed-Angle Glaucoma attack is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Unfortunately, people at risk for developing Closed-Angle Glaucoma often have few or no symptoms before the attack.
People at risk for Closed-Angle Glaucoma should avoid over-the-counter decongestants and other medications where the packaging states not to use these products if you have Glaucoma.
Learn more about cutting edge technology used to diagnose and treat dry eye disease.
