#45. Angle closure glaucoma.

Question 1

What is ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 1

• ACUTE Episodic INCREASE in INTRAOCULAR pa
• Normal Value = 10 - 20mm
• DUE to SUDDEN Blockage of Drainage
• Where production of AQUEOUS HUMOUR, and TRBECULAR RESISTANCE are NORMAL

Question 2

What is the CAUSE of ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 2

• ANATOMICALLY Predisposed eyes with SHALLOW Anterior Chambers
• LATROGENIC Pharmacological MYDRIASIS
• SYSTEMIC PSYCHOTROPIC Drugs

Question 3

What are the SYMPTOMS of ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 3

• ACUTE Onset of INTENSE Pain = DUE to the INCREASED Intraocular Pa on CORNEAL Nerve
• Nausea / Vomiting = DUE to IRRITATION of VAGUS Nerve
• DIMINISHED Visual Acuity = DUE to Corneal OEDEMA, from INCREASED Intraocular Pressure
• OBSCURED Vision
• COLOURED Halos around Lights
• PRODROMAL Symptoms

Question 4

What is the DIAGNOSIS for ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 4

• UNILATERAL (1 eye) Red Eye
• FIXED + DILATED Pupil
• HARD Eyeball upon Palpation
• DULL Cornea + STEAMY with Epithelial Oedema
• SHALLOW / COLLAPSED Anterior Chamber, when eye is illuminated by a focused lateral light
• OBSCURED Fundus = DUE to OPACIFICATION of Corneal Epithelium
• REDUCED Visual Acuity

Question 5

What is the DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS of ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 5

GENERAL SYMPTOMS
- Headache
- Nausea + Vomiting

IRITIS and IRIDOCYCLITIS

Question 6

What is the TREATMENT for ANGLE CLOSURE Glaucoma?

Answer 6

MEDICAL THERAPY to:

• DECREASE the Intraocular Pressure
• ALLOW the Cornea TO CLEAR
• RELIEVE Pain

SURGICAL THERAPY via
- SHUNTING BTW Posterior / Anterior Chambers