What is Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?
An individual who experiences any of the symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma should seek immediate medical treatment. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, which is painless and damages vision slowly, the closed-angle type is sudden and can cause blindness within a few days if untreated. If a patient has it in one eye, he or she is at risk for an attack in the second. An appropriate exam includes more than just checking the pressure in each eye, since one out of every four glaucoma patients has normal eye pressure. The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure as quickly as possible. Doctors typically order eye drops, pills and medication administered by IV to lower eye pressure associated with a narrow-angle attack. However, some patients require emergency surgery known as an iridotomy. The surgeon uses a laser to open a new drainage channel in the eye. This relieves pressure and prevents additional attacks. Physicians sometimes recommend that individuals at high risk for narrow-angle glaucoma
