Acute Angle Closure Attack
What is acute angle closure?
The chamber in front of the iris contains a fluid called the Aqueous Humour. An Acute Angle Closure Attack is when the pressure of this fluid increases to a dangerous level, due to the drainage system being blocked.This can then cause damage to the optic nerve in the form of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma.
How does the pressure increase?
The fluid is produced behind the iris (coloured part of the eye). It passes through the pupil and drains via the trabecular meshwork in the periphery of the iris. If the pupil and iris stick together, the pressures behind and in front of the iris differ, bowing the iris forward. This can block the drainage channel, increasing the pressure.
Who is at risk from this?
Average age of incidence is over 60, thought to be with increase in the thickness of the lens behind the iris. Family history due to inherited anatomical features is also a risk. People from SE Asia and China are more at risk. An attack is more prevalent in females than males with a ratio of 4:1
What are the symptoms?
PAIN. RED EYE. NAUSEA (AND VOMITING). HALOES AROUND LIGHTS. HEADACHE. BLURRY VISION.
How is it treated?
Glasses and contact will make vision clear. Now there are management treatments available that have been proven to reduce the rate of progression of myopia in children. The reasoning of ‘myopia management’ is to try and reduce the risk of eye disease later in life.
Reference: College of Optometrists
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