What is Angle-Closure Glaucoma?

Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can happen suddenly. It’s different from open-angle glaucoma.
Here’s a simple explanation:

• Blocked Drainage:

In a healthy eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out to keep the eye pressure balanced. However, in angle-closure glaucoma, this fluid can’t drain properly because the drainage angle (where the fluid exits the eye) gets blocked.

• Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP):

When the fluid can’t drain, it builds up inside the eye, causing the pressure inside the eye to rise. This increased pressure is known as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

• Sudden Onset:

Unlike open-angle glaucoma, which progresses slowly, angle-closure glaucoma can happen very suddenly. This quick rise in eye pressure can cause severe pain and rapid vision loss.

• Different Forms:

Angle-closure glaucoma can be:

• Acute: This is a sudden attack and is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Chronic: This form develops slowly over time.
• Primary: Occurs without any other eye problems.
• Secondary: Happens because of another eye condition or injury.
  
  
• Medical Emergency:

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency. If not treated quickly, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Advanced solutions like electronic glasses for angle-closure glaucoma now play a key role in supporting patients’ vision and improving their quality of life.

What Causes Angle-Closure Glaucoma?

In simple terms, angle-closure glaucoma can happen for different reasons. It can be due to how your eye is built, other eye problems or injuries, or it can come on slowly or very suddenly. Understanding these types can help in managing the condition effectively.

Types of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Let’s break down the different types of angle-closure glaucoma in a simpler and more detailed way:

1. Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
   • This type is caused by the way your eye is built. Some people have a natural tendency (anatomical predisposition) for this condition because of things like a “pupillary block” or “iris plateau syndrome.” These terms mean that parts of the eye, like the iris (the colored part of the eye), can get in the way and block the fluid drainage, causing high eye pressure.
     
     
2. Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
   • This type happens because of other eye problems or injuries. For example:
     • Cataracts: When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and large, it can block the drainage angle.
     • Eye Trauma: Injuries to the eye can also cause blockage of the drainage angle.
       
       
3. Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
   • This type develops slowly over time. It causes gradual, long-term damage because the drainage angle of the eye is slowly getting blocked. This means the fluid can’t drain properly, and eye pressure rises bit by bit. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
     
     
4. Acute Glaucoma Attack:
   • This is a sudden and severe episode. The drainage angle gets blocked very quickly, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. Symptoms can include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. It’s a medical emergency, and you need immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that needs to be detected early because it can get worse quickly. Here are the common symptoms explained in simple words:

1. Sudden Eye Pain and Headaches:
   • You might feel sharp or intense pain in your eye. Along with this, you could also experience severe headaches.
     
     
2. Blurred Vision and Halos Around Lights:
   • Your vision may become fuzzy or unclear, making it hard to see things properly. You might also see rings or halos around lights, especially at night or in dim lighting.
     
     
3. Nausea and Vomiting:
   • The pain and pressure in your eye can make you feel very sick to your stomach. You might even throw up.
     
     
4. Red Eyes and Corneal Edema (Swelling):
   • Your eyes may appear red and irritated. The cornea, which is the clear front part of your eye, can become swollen. This swelling can make your vision even more blurry.
     
     
5. Vision Changes During Pupillary Dilation, Especially in Dim Light:
   • When your pupils (the black part of your eyes) get bigger in dim light, you may notice changes in your vision. It can be harder to see clearly.

How Angle-Closure Glaucoma Affects Vision

Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a condition that affects how you see, and it can cause serious damage to your eyes. Let’s break down how it impacts your vision in simple terms:

1. Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Optic Nerve Damage:
   • When the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure) rises rapidly, it can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is like a cable that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. If this nerve gets damaged, it can lead to vision loss because your brain won’t receive clear signals from your eyes.
     
     
2. Corneal Edema (Swelling):
   • The cornea is the clear front part of your eye. When it swells, light entering the eye gets scattered, making your vision blurry. Imagine looking through a foggy window—everything looks unclear and out of focus. This swelling is called corneal edema.
     
     
3. Goniosynechiae (Iris Adhesions):
   • Over time, the blocked fluid can cause parts of the iris (the colored part of your eye) to stick to the drainage angle. This sticking is called goniosynechiae. When this happens, it can cause permanent damage to the drainage system of the eye, making it even harder for the fluid to drain and keeping the pressure high.
     
     
4. Peripheral Vision Loss:
   • In chronic cases of angle-closure glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye stays high for a long time. This ongoing pressure can slowly damage the edges of your vision (peripheral vision). It means you might start losing sight from the sides of your vision, gradually narrowing the area you can see, which is known as tunnel vision.

Diagnosis of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Accurate diagnosis requires specialized tools and expertise before processing with glaucoma treatment:

• Gonioscopy for Diagnosis: Examines the drainage angle in detail.
• Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT): Provides high-resolution imaging of the anterior chamber.
• Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM): Offers a detailed view of the eye’s structures.

Glaucoma Treatment Options for Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Emergency Management of Acute Glaucoma Attack:

1. 1. • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide) and hyperosmotic agents (e.g., mannitol) to rapidly lower IOP.
      • Beta-blocker eye drops, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and prostaglandin analogues for IOP regulation.
        

• Laser Procedures:

1. 1. • Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Creates a small hole in the iris to restore aqueous humor flow.
      • Surgical Iridectomy: Removes part of the iris to alleviate blockages.
        

• Surgical Interventions for Chronic Management:

1. 1. • Trabeculectomy and drainage implants for long-term IOP control.
      • Removal of goniosynechiae and management of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS).

• Preventative Measures:
  

1. • Regular monitoring for angle-closure risk factors in high-risk populations, such as Asian and Inuit populations and those with family history.

How Vision Buddy Helps in Treatment of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Vision Buddy is an advanced device designed to help people with angle-closure glaucoma. Here’s how it supports those dealing with this condition, explained in simple terms:

1. Compensating for Vision Loss:
   • Vision Buddy helps make up for the vision loss caused by angle-closure glaucoma. It has features that magnify (make things look bigger) and enhance contrast (make differences between light and dark clearer). This helps people see things more clearly and in more detail.
     
     
2. Reducing Strain from Corneal Edema or Optic Nerve Damage:
   • When the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) swells or the optic nerve (the nerve that sends visual information to the brain) is damaged, it can be hard to see clearly. Vision Buddy optimizes visual clarity, meaning it adjusts the display to make the vision as clear and sharp as possible. This reduces the strain on the eyes, making it easier to see without discomfort.
     
     
3. Supporting Daily Activities:
   • Vision Buddy is very useful for everyday tasks. It has real-time streaming capabilities, which means it can show what you want to see in real time. This is helpful for:
     • Reading: You can read books, newspapers, or labels more easily because the device can magnify the text.
     • Watching TV: It makes watching television clearer and more enjoyable by enhancing the picture.
     • Navigating Spaces: When moving around, Vision Buddy helps you see your surroundings better, making it easier and safer to get around.

Vision Buddy for Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Key Features Include:

1. Enhanced Contrast Modes: Ideal for overcoming blurred vision and light sensitivity.
2. Wide-Angle Viewing Technology: Expands peripheral vision in cases of chronic angle-closure glaucoma.
3. Adjustable Magnification: Customizable to meet specific visual needs.
4. Lightweight and Portable: Comfortable for extended use, even during acute glaucoma attack recovery.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Simplified controls for people with low vision or vision impairment.
6. Optimized External Battery 6 Hours
7. Zoom Levels 10x
8. Field of View 98 Degrees
9. 16 Megapixel Sony Camera, Auto Focused
10. Weight: On Face (1.1 lb) similar to a large apple.