Understanding Open-Angle vs. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a complex disease and can be challenging to understand, especially when trying to learn the difference between open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.

Here at Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc., serving Stockton, Manteca, and Modesto, CA, we’re the only general ophthalmology practice in the San Joaquin Valley with an entire staff of fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologists.

We’re here to provide the information you need to understand glaucoma, protect your eye health, and preserve your eyesight.

What Is Open-Angle Glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, affecting 90% of people with glaucoma. It develops gradually when the eye’s drainage system doesn’t function properly, similar to a clogged drain.

As a result, fluid builds up, causing increased eye pressure that gradually harms the optic nerve. Because open-angle glaucoma progresses without pain or initial symptoms, it often goes undetected until noticeable vision loss occurs.

Although rare, open-angle glaucoma can also occur in people with normal eye pressure. Even a small increase in pressure poses a greater risk for these individuals.

Routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection of open-angle glaucoma and prevention of further damage.

What Is Angle-Closure Glaucoma?

Angle-closure glaucoma, or narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma, occurs when the iris sits very close to the eye’s drainage angle (the path through which fluid exits your eye). Sometimes, the iris may block the drainage, like a piece of paper covering a drain.

When this drainage angle is completely blocked, pressure rises sharply and suddenly, causing an angle-closure glaucoma attack. This is a true eye emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent blindness.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma attack symptoms include:

• Sudden blurry vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights

Many people develop angle-closure glaucoma slowly, known as chronic angle-closure glaucoma. This type is often symptom-free until significant damage has already occurred or until an acute attack arises.

Understanding Glaucoma Risk

Regular eye exams are vital for early glaucoma detection. Some of the factors that go into determining your glaucoma risk are:

• Age: Increased risk for those over 40
• Family History: Close relatives with glaucoma
• Ethnicity: Higher risk in African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations
• Eye Conditions: Conditions such as high eye pressure or thin corneas
• History of eye injuries: Ocular trauma
• Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
• Certain Medications: Certain medications, like long-term use of corticosteroids, raises glaucoma risk. For every week of steroid use, the risk of steroid-induced glaucoma rises by 4%, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Recognizing these risk factors and symptoms allows for earlier intervention and treatment. Our elite glaucoma specialists offer comprehensive glaucoma treatment options including laser therapy and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

Glaucoma Treatment in Stockton, Manteca, and Modesto, CA

If you’re concerned about glaucoma or want to schedule an eye exam, call Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc. at 209-952-3700 to book a consultation in our offices in Stockton, Manteca, or Modesto, CA.

Posted in: Glaucoma