Angle-Closure Glaucoma Specialist in Georgia

Angle-Closure Glaucoma Treatment at Georgia

Angle-closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss if not treated promptly. At Georgia Vision Institute, we offer expert diagnosis and emergency treatment to help patients preserve their vision and avoid long-term damage. Understanding this condition and seeking immediate care when symptoms appear is essential to preventing permanent vision loss.

What Is Angle-Closure Glaucoma?

Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as narrow-angle or acute glaucoma, occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea suddenly becomes blocked. This prevents fluid (aqueous humor) from draining properly, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). Unlike open-angle glaucoma, which progresses slowly, angle-closure glaucoma often develops suddenly and is considered a medical emergency.

When eye pressure spikes quickly, it can damage the optic nerve immediately. Without urgent treatment, angle-closure glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss within hours or days.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma

The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma typically appear suddenly and are much more noticeable than those of open-angle glaucoma. Patients may experience severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms may affect one or both eyes but typically begin in just one.

If you experience any of these signs, seek emergency eye care immediately. The specialists at Georgia Vision Institute are highly trained in diagnosing and managing angle-closure glaucoma with the urgency it requires.

What Causes Angle-Closure Glaucoma?

The narrowing or closure of the drainage angle in the eye causes angle-closure glaucoma. This can happen when the iris is pushed or pulled forward, blocking fluid from exiting the eye. Factors that increase your risk include age (typically over 60), being female, having a family history of glaucoma, and being of Asian or Inuit descent. People with farsightedness or anatomically narrow angles are also at increased risk.

Our ophthalmologists can detect these risk factors during a routine eye exam at Georgia Vision Institute before symptoms occur. That’s why regular glaucoma screenings are so important, especially for individuals in higher-risk groups.

Emergency and Long-Term Treatment for Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate treatment to reduce eye pressure and prevent optic nerve damage. Initial management may include medications to quickly lower intraocular pressure, followed by laser procedures such as laser peripheral iridotomy. This laser treatment creates a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to flow more freely and relieving pressure buildup.

In some cases, additional procedures such as lens extraction or other glaucoma surgeries may be necessary to prevent future attacks. At Georgia Vision Institute, our fellowship-trained eye surgeons use the latest techniques to treat angle-closure glaucoma and preserve your vision.

Long-term follow-up care is essential to monitor eye pressure and control the condition. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and manage your condition with ongoing care and support.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Glaucoma Care in Georgia

If you’ve been diagnosed with narrow angles or are experiencing symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma, immediate care can make all the difference. Georgia Vision Institute provides comprehensive glaucoma services to patients across Georgia, with advanced diagnostic testing and emergency treatment for all types of glaucoma.

Contact our office today to schedule an urgent evaluation with one of our skilled ophthalmologists.