Video: Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

This video provides a brief introduction to narrow-angle glaucoma, also called angle-closure glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma.

Transcript

A small percentage of people with glaucoma have a condition known as narrow-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can occur slowly and progressively, or very quickly, and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Narrow-angle glaucoma usually occurs in far-sighted people, because they tend to have anterior chambers that are smaller than normal.

In cases of narrow-angle glaucoma, the iris can bow forward, thinning the angle that normally drains the eye. As the angle becomes smaller, fluid backs up and pressure in the eye, or intraocular pressure, begins to rise. If narrow-angle glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can cause loss of vision.

In some cases, narrow-angle glaucoma can lead to an emergency condition known as angle-closure glaucoma. For more information, ask your doctor about narrow-angle glaucoma.