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Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when your iris enlarges and blocks the proper drainage of fluid in your eye. This leads to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. If you experience severe eye pain, redness, and nausea, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention as this is a medical emergency.
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Understanding Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is one of the two primary types of glaucoma, a condition characterized by elevated pressure within your eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP).
High intraocular pressure (IOP) occurs when the fluid in your eye, called aqueous humor, can’t drain properly. In angle-closure glaucoma, the swollen or bulging iris (the colored part of your eye) blocks this drainage system. This condition can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Angle-closure glaucoma is also known as closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma.
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Symptoms and Causes
Recognizing the Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
If you have angle-closure glaucoma, you might experience symptoms such as:
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- Intense eye pain.
- Redness in the eye.
- Sudden vision loss.
- Seeing halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights.
- Severe headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
When symptoms do appear which isn’t always the case chronic angle-closure glaucoma and other non-acute forms of angle-closure glaucoma may cause:
- Eye redness.
- Blurred vision.
- Persistent eye discomfort.
- Frequent headaches, blurred vision, or eye strain after extended computer use.
- Headache or a dull ache around the brow.
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The Underlying causes of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the fluid in your eye, known as aqueous humor, doesn’t flow as it should. Your eye constantly produces new fluid, but when the old fluid can’t drain properly, it builds up, increasing pressure and damaging your optic nerve.
In angle-closure glaucoma, this happens because your natural lens thickens over time, pushing against the iris and blocking the drainage passages.
Can Angle-Closure Glaucoma Be Inherited?
Research shows that angle-closure glaucoma may be linked to family history and specific genetic factors.
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Factors that increase your Risk of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing angle-closure glaucoma:
Age
As you age, intraocular pressure (IOP) tends to rise, and changes in your eye structure can contribute to the risk.
Gender
Women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at a higher risk.
Ethnicity
People of Asian descent are more likely to develop this condition.
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Let’s explore the complications of Angle-Closure Glaucoma!
Potential Complications of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Like other types of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma can lead to damage to your optic nerve, potentially causing permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
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Let’s end with a quick conclusion on Angle-Closure Glaucoma!
Conclusion
Glaucoma is a common condition with several types, and angle-closure glaucoma is one of them. If you experience an episode of acute angle-closure glaucoma, treat it as a medical emergency. If you notice symptoms like eye pain, headaches, redness, and nausea, contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate care. Prompt treatment is crucial to protect your vision. Even other forms of angle-closure glaucoma require treatment, so it's important to get an early diagnosis and understand the right approach for managing your condition. At Elite Eye Care, we provide thorough eye examinations and personalized treatments to safeguard your vision and ensure long-term eye health.
Q&A
1. What are the signs of Angle-Closure Glaucoma?
If you experience severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos, headaches, nausea, or vomiting, it could be acute angle-closure glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) requires urgent attention.
2. What is bad for Glaucoma?
Consuming foods high in saturated fats, simple carbs, caffeine, and alcohol can worsen glaucoma by increasing weight, blood pressure, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Be mindful of your diet to help manage your condition.