What is Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the serious eye disease that slowly robs peripheral vision until total vision loss occurs, has several different forms, all of which can lead to blindness if not detected and treated promptly. The chronic types of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle glaucoma, often progress slowly and silently, without producing symptoms until vision has been permanently impaired.

All forms of glaucoma occur when there is excessive pressure inside the eye, which eventually leads to optical nerve damage and impaired vision. Narrow drainage angles between the iris and the cornea can increase intraocular pressure because they don't allow excess fluid to drain from the eye. While narrow angles are chronic, the danger lies in the risk they present for suffering an acute closed-angle glaucoma attack.

People who have narrow drainage angles may need laser treatment to prevent the development of closed-angle glaucoma. This treatment creates a larger drainage opening in the iris to let fluid drain from the eye. If laser treatment is unsuccessful, surgery - such as a surgical irridectomy, which prevents the drainage angle from closing, or trabeculectomy, which increases fluid drainage from the eye - may be performed as a preventive measure.

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