“The angle” refers to the area between the iris and the cornea where the fluid, which provides nutrition to the inner eye, maintaining pressure levels, drains out of the eye into the circulatory system.
The position of the angle is directly responsible for the type of glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma means that the angle between the iris and cornea is large enough and thereby sufficient for proper drainage, however the drainage canals are blocked or too much fluid is being produced.
This type of glaucoma is asymptomatic until significant vision loss has occurred. As a result, the only way to detect it is through your annual eye exam, before any symptoms are presented.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle, or narrow-angle glaucoma occurs suddenly when the angle between the iris and the cornea is not large enough to allow for proper fluid drainage. There are a few reasons this can occur, including:
- Ocular anatomy (genetics)
- Growing cataracts
- Inflammatory conditions, such as uveitis
- Vascular conditions, like diabetes
Symptoms include excessive tearing, blurry vision, coupled with pain and nausea, all of which can form very rapidly. If you are experiencing these signs or symptoms, contact us or seek alternate medical attention immediately.