Angle Closure Glaucoma Flashcards
What is angle closure glaucoma?
A group of disease where there is closure of the anterior chamber angle leading to elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP)
How can the closure of the anterior chamber angle be classified?
- Reversible (appostional)
- Adhesional (synechial)
What forms can angle closure glaucoma present as?
- Latent
- Subacute
- Acute
- Chronic
- Absolute
What is latent angle closure glaucoma?
Where there is anatomical predisposition to angle closure glaucoma
What is subacute angle closure glaucoma?
Mild symptomatic episodes suggestive of incomplete closure that spontaneously resolve
What is acute angle closure glaucoma?
An emergency
What is chronic angle closure glaucoma?
Insidious, progressive closing of the trabecular meshwork resulting in gradual rise in IOP
What is absolute angle closure glaucoma?
End stage of the untreated disease with irreversible and severe sight impairment
What is required in acute angle closure glaucoma?
Prompt diagnosis and treatment to save sight
Where is aqueous humour produced?
The ciliary body
Where is the ciliary body situated?
Behind the iris
How does the aqueous humour move from the posterior chamber of the anterior segment to the anterior chamber?
Via the pupil
How does the aqueous humour drain from the anterior chamber?
Through the trabecular meshwork into the canal of Schlemm which lies around the circumference of the angle between the iris and the cornea
What is the angle between the iris and the cornea called?
Anterior chamber angle (Iridocorneal angle)
What happens if the iris becomes opposed to the trabecular meshwork?
It can block off the aqueous drainage
What can blockage of the aqueous humour drainage cause?
Raise in IOP
How can acute angle closure glaucoma be divided?
- Primary
- Secondary
What is primary acute angle closure glaucoma?
When the blockage arises as a consequence of the anatomy of the eye where the iris is pushed from behind and blocks the angle
In what way can the anatomy of the eye lead to acute angle closure glaucoma?
When some people’s angles are naturally narrowed making them vulnerable to closure
What is secondary acute angle closure glaucoma?
When there is angle closure due to forces exerted on the iris from other causes
What can cause primary acute angle closure glaucoma?
Pupillary dilation with topical mydriatics, and some systemic drugs that dilate the eye e.g. alpha-adrenergic agonists