Boston Glaucoma Specialist on Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Boston Glaucoma Specialist Bin Wu, M.D. clarified facts about a type of glaucoma called narrow angle glaucoma. “Given the seriousness of narrow angle glaucoma it is important for people to understand more about its risks and symptoms in order to avoid the potential for vision loss,” commented Dr. Wu of  D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner. “A narrow angle is an anatomical configuration in the eye that under certain conditions can result in high eye pressure. High eye pressure may lead to glaucoma. The presence of and the  diagnosis of narrow angles is not the same as a diagnosis of glaucoma as only a small percentage of patients with narrow angles actually develop narrow angle glaucoma. As with many eye conditions, problems and diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of angle closure glaucoma,” further explained Dr. Wu.

The angle of the eye is located at the junction between the iris-the colored part of the eye-and the cornea which is clear curved dome in the front of the eye. Inside the eye-behind the iris-is a ring like structure called the ciliary body which continually produces fluid called aqueous humor. The aqueous fluid flows over the lens, then through the pupil and drains internally from the eye via the trabecular meshwork which is located at the “angle”. As long as aqueous is drained at roughly the same rate it is produced, the eye maintains a normal pressure. If aqueous cannot drain as quickly as it is made, the eye pressure will go up. If it goes up slowly due to too much fluid being produced or too little fluid be drained, it can cause the eye pressure to rise resulting in open angle glaucoma. If the pressure rises quickly because the angle is too narrow or even closed or blocked it can cause a rapid rise in eye pressure resulting in narrow angle glaucoma.

Dr. Wu further explained, “The crystalline lens inside the eye grows throughout life and actually increases in size. As its size increases it can move the iris forward and slowly narrow or crowd the angle. Narrow angles tend to be seen more commonly as we age and some eyes are more predisposed to narrow angles than others. Narrow angles are more commonly found in people over the age of 40, females, farsighted or hyperopic patients, and in people of East Asian, African and Inuit descent.”

“Unlike open angle glaucoma which really produces no symptoms, symptoms that the angle is closing intermittently include episodes of blurred vision, perhaps seeing halos around objects, a headache-like pain around the eye or brow and even red eye,” explained Dr. NAME. “These symptoms can sometimes resolve spontaneously and may occur periodically over days or weeks. In addition, if the angle closes and does not reopen spontaneously, you may experience nausea and vomiting,” Dr. Wu further explained, “If this happens you need to call us right away and tell us you need an immediate appointment.”

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about narrow angle glaucoma or are concerned about having narrow angles please schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street,Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.