Who is in a high risk group for angle closure glaucoma?
Angle closure glaucoma is the second most common type of glaucoma in the United States, accounting for 10 percent of all glaucoma cases. This condition is more common among Asians, women and far-sighted individuals. A family history of angle closure glaucoma also places people in a higher risk group. Q: What can these groups of people do to reduce their risk of suffering from angle closure glaucoma? A:Knowledge of the symptoms and, most importantly, the necessity of immediate medical attention should the symptoms occur. Many ophthalmologists recommend preventative laser treatment in an effort to avoid acute angle closure and the possibility of permanent vision loss. Q: How can I reduce my chances of developing glaucoma? A:Regular eye exams offer your ophthalmologist an opportunity to detect any indications of elevated eye pressure and optic nerve damage. Pupils may be dilated for optimal observation of the retina and optic nerve. A visual field test may be given to evaluate peripheral
