Narrow Angle Glaucoma

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Is narrow angle glaucoma common?

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Narrow angles are seen in many people. The typical demographic is:

• Farsighted people

• Fair people (narrow angles are more common in Caucasians than other races)

• Female

• Over Forty (the angle narrows with increased age)

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But, people who do not fill these criteria can still develop narrow angle glaucoma.

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What are the symptoms of narrow angle glaucoma?

 

A person who is predisposed to narrow angle glaucoma may have no symptoms at all. Occasionally, a person with narrow angles with have intermittent pain, headache, pressure or blurred vision. Usually, the condition is detected by the ophthalmologist in a person with no symptoms.

 

An acute episode of narrow angle is usually very painful and may be associated with blurred vision, very red eyes, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Narrow angle glaucoma is an acute emergency and requires immediate treatment.

 

What should I watch out for?

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If you have been told of a predisposition to narrow angle glaucoma, be cautious when using over-the-counter medications that caution against their use by people with glaucoma. These medications can often instigate an acute glaucoma attack. Once you have been successfully treated for this condition, these warnings no longer apply.

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How is Narrow Angle Glaucoma treated or prevented?

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Please click here for more information on the treatment of Narrow Angle Glaucoma

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