What is Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Glaucoma, the serious eye disease that slowly robs peripheral vision
until total vision loss occurs, has several different forms, all of
which can lead to blindness if not detected and treated promptly. The
chronic types of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle
glaucoma, often progress slowly and silently, without producing symptoms
until vision has been permanently impaired.
All forms of glaucoma occur when there is excessive pressure inside
the eye, which eventually leads to optical nerve damage and impaired
vision. Narrow drainage angles between the iris and the cornea can increase
intraocular pressure because they don't allow excess fluid to drain
from the eye. While narrow angles are chronic, the danger lies in the
risk they present for suffering an acute closed-angle glaucoma attack.
People who have narrow drainage angles may need laser treatment to
prevent the development of closed-angle glaucoma. This treatment creates
a larger drainage opening in the iris to let fluid drain from the eye.
If laser treatment is unsuccessful, surgery - such as a surgical irridectomy,
which prevents the drainage angle from closing, or trabeculectomy, which
increases fluid drainage from the eye - may be performed as a preventive
measure.
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