Glaucoma is either classified as open-angle or closed-angle. While both types of glaucoma cause elevations in intraocular pressure, closed-angle, also known as acute-angle glaucoma, can cause severe symptoms. While glaucoma is more common in older people, it can develop in people of all ages.

Because early intervention is important to help reduce the risk of progressive eye disease, it is important to see your optometrist regularly so that any changes in vision or eye function can be recognized and treated while still in their early stages. Here are some ways optometrists can diagnose and treat closed-angle glaucoma. 

Medical History And Eye Examination

Patient medical histories and eye examinations help optometrists confirm or rule out a closed-angle glaucoma diagnosis. The eye doctor will ask the patient if they have been experiencing any unusual symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or peripheral vision deficits. They will also inquire about seeing halos around bright lights, excessive tearing, and eye redness. After the medical history has been completed, optometrists then perform eye examinations with an ophthalmoscope and slit lamp.

During the eye examination, the pupils are dilated with special eye drops so that the back of the eyes can be better visualized. A test known as a tonometry test will also be administered to evaluate the intraocular eye pressure. Optometrists also perform visual field testing to assess central and peripheral vision. Also known as side vision, peripheral vision is often lost in those with closed-angle glaucoma. 

Treatment Options For Closed-Angle Glaucoma

The most common treatment option for closed-angle glaucoma is the administration of pressure-lowering eye drops. These drops include those classified as beta-blockers, cholinergic drugs, and prostaglandin agents. To augment the effect of the eye drops, the eye doctor may also prescribe oral medications known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. In addition to eye drops, laser surgery may also be recommended to help decrease intraocular pressure.

A laser peripheral iridotomy is a procedure that can help reduce eye pressure in those with closed-angle glaucoma. During this procedure, the eye doctor makes a small incision in the iris by using a laser. This helps the aqueous humor, or eye fluid, drain better, which helps relieve elevated eye pressure.

If you develop any of the above symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma, see your eye doctor right away. When diagnosed and treated promptly, you may be less likely to experience prolonged symptoms and less likely to develop permanent vision loss.