Glaucoma is a general term for various diseases of the eye that can diminish sight. The various types of glaucoma all have their own symptoms and treatment protocols. Like all forms of glaucoma, intermittent angle-closure glaucoma can be present in the early stages with no symptoms, and there is currently no cure.
Glaucoma is diagnosed when there is damage to parts of the eye. To help understand this condition, it is important to understand some basics about the structures of the eye that are affected by glaucoma. The outer clear covering of the eyeball is called the cornea and behind the cornea is the iris, the colored part of the eye. In the middle of the iris is the pupil. Between the cornea and iris is fluid, called the aqueous humor. This fluid is responsible for maintaining the right amount of pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). To see, light must enter the eye and pass through the cornea and iris to the back of the eye to the retina. Attached to the retina is the optic nerve, which transmits these light signals to the brain for interpretation.
Identification
In most cases, angle-closure glaucoma is due to changes in intraocular pressure. Having glaucoma means the damage to the eye blocks the intraocular fluid from leaving the area, allowing pressure to build up. This causes damage to the optic nerve. This affects the ability to see clearly and send correct signals to the brain to be interpreted. According to the International Glaucoma Association, angle-closure glaucoma can be acute or intermittent. In intermittent angle closure glaucoma, fluid is not completely blocked from leaving the area and is a less severe form.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic says any form of glaucoma can occur with no known cause. However, some patients may have been born predisposed to the condition and have abnormally narrow passageways that obstruct normal fluid drainage from the eye. This predisposition can be present without ever causing symptoms or disease at all. In addition, eye exams can help to detect a buildup of intraocular pressure in the early stages and allow for early intervention. Eye injuries, being over age 60, diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of smoking, thyroid conditions and other eye diseases also increase the risk of intermittent angle-closure glaucoma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of intermittent angle-closure glaucoma may come on slowly, says the International Glaucoma Association. Symptoms can include a dull ache around the eye that may or may not be accompanied by headaches. Vision may become blurred, there may be a loss of peripheral vision, the eye may become red and halos may be appearing around lights. Visual disturbances may occur sporadically and temporarily and be followed by periods in which vision is normal. This can continue for some time, but eventually, damage to the eye results, and without treatment, symptoms can become more severe and constant.
Treatment
Conservative treatments are often tried first. This includes eye drops and medications designed to lower intraocular pressure, says the Johns Hopkins website. In many cases, patient noncompliance with using the drops and medication can hinder this option. The next step is laser trabeculoplasty, which utilizes a laser to reduce fluid buildup. This technique can be successful, but the results are not always long lasting and may have to be repeated within five years. In addition, even with laser treatment, drops and medication may still be needed. Surgery may also be tried, which involves one or more attempts to remove part of the eye to create a space for the fluid to drain. In severe cases, in which all of the above are unsuccessful, a shunt can be placed in the eye. Treatment for underlying conditions that damage the nerves, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also needs to occur. Glaucoma treatment will need to be continued indefinitely to help prevent further sight loss or possibly blindness.
