Question 1

What is primary angle closure suspect?

Accepted Answer

Primary angle closure suspect is when tests show that the drainage channel in your eye is narrow and is at high risk of closing up at any time. This is more common in people with smaller shaped eyes where the iris is naturally closer to the cornea.

Question 2

What is acute angle closure?

Accepted Answer

Primary angle closure is usually painless and occasionally causes symptoms of mild headache. However, if the drainage channel suddenly closes and the pressure suddenly becomes very high, the signs and symptoms are usually severe. This is called acute angle closure. Symptoms include intense pain of the eye, sore or tender eye area, headache, redness of the eye, blurred and reduced vision, and seeing coloured haloes around lights.

Question 3

How can you tell I am at risk?

Accepted Answer

Examination with a hand-held contact lens (gonioscopy) can reveal a narrow drainage channel that is at risk of closing completely.

Question 4

What should I do if I am experiencing any of these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Question 5

What treatment is available for primary angle closure?

Accepted Answer

The two main treatment options are laser peripheral iridotomy and cataract extraction surgery.

Question 6

How can laser peripheral iridotomy help me?

Accepted Answer

In this procedure, a laser beam is used to create a small hole in the iris. This provides another route for the fluid to flow and pushes the iris backwards, in turn helping to open the drainage channel.

Question 7

How can cataract surgery help me?

Accepted Answer

The natural lens of the eye gradually increases in size with age and reduces the available space in front of the eye where the fluid has to drain out. Removing the cataract or natural lens and replacing it with a new, thinner artificial lens eliminates the risk of angle closure glaucoma and sight loss, reduces eye pressure, improves vision, improves visual field performance, and makes any further glaucoma surgery that is required easier for the surgeon.

Question 8

What happens if I do not get treatment?

Accepted Answer

If the pressure in the eye remains high, extensive damage can occur to the optic nerve. This will lead to significant and permanent visual loss.

How can you tell I am at risk?

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