Glaucoma open angle vs closed angle differences

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Primary glaucoma is clinically divided into two major categories: angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma. The difference between them is that angle-closure glaucoma is due to a pre-existing abnormal configuration of the iris, leading to a mechanical blockage of the anterior chamber angle by peripheral iris tissue, which obstructs the outflow of aqueous humor, thus causing an increase in intraocular pressure. In contrast, open-angle glaucoma has a normal appearance of the anterior chamber angle, which remains open, and its increase in intraocular pressure is due to a pathology in the trabecular meshwork’s aqueous humor outflow system, increasing the resistance to aqueous outflow. Currently, the ratio of primary angle-closure glaucoma to primary open-angle glaucoma is about 3:1, making it the most common type of glaucoma in China.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Must glaucoma undergo surgery?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by pathological increase in intraocular pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve and visual field defects. The treatment for glaucoma can include conservative management and surgical interventions. The primary goal of treatment is to control intraocular pressure and delay the progression of optic nerve damage. Generally, intraocular pressure can be controlled with medication; if medication fails to control the pressure, surgery may be necessary to manage it.

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Written by Zheng Xin
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by characteristic optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with pathological elevated intraocular pressure as its main risk factor. The main symptoms of glaucoma include blurry vision and blocked vision. Due to different types, it is also accompanied by other eye symptoms such as eye pain, eye bulging, foggy vision, as well as pain in the nasal root and head, and even nausea and vomiting.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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How to rule out glaucoma with high eye pressure?

Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10-21mmHg. If it exceeds 21mmHg, it is considered to be increased intraocular pressure. Main symptoms of high intraocular pressure include eye distension, eye pain, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, headache, etc. High intraocular pressure is a primary diagnostic criterion for glaucoma, but it is not the only standard. Glaucoma can be divided into primary glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and mixed glaucoma. Primary glaucoma can further be subdivided into open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Only during an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma does the intraocular pressure increase, whereas open-angle glaucoma generally does not affect intraocular pressure. Therefore, the diagnosis of glaucoma mainly relies on a comprehensive assessment of the angle of the anterior chamber, intraocular pressure, visual field, visual acuity, and the condition of the optic disc.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
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Can glaucoma be contagious?

Glaucoma is not contagious. It is not an infectious disease; rather, it is a group of diseases characterized by increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve atrophy and vision decline. The most common cause is genetic factors, meaning if elders or parents in the family have this condition, the incidence of glaucoma in their offspring will also be higher. It is an eye disease caused by anatomical abnormalities of the eye. Additionally, some cases of glaucoma are caused by trauma or other reasons, so glaucoma is not contagious.

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Written by Wang Hui Zhen
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Early symptoms of glaucoma

There are many types of glaucoma, and the symptoms vary between different types. Some patients with glaucoma might not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages; others may only experience mild eye soreness and occasional blurred vision, which can improve with rest; some present with insidious vision decline and field defects. Glaucoma refers to a group of progressive optic nerve damage that eventually impairs vision, mainly associated with pathological elevation of intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it is the top irreversible blinding eye disease. Common symptoms of glaucoma include blurry vision, vision decline, field defects, and acute attacks, often accompanied by eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and more. If glaucoma symptoms occur, or there is a suspicion of glaucoma, it is advised to visit an ophthalmology clinic for comprehensive examinations like visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus examinations, etc., to determine the cause and provide targeted treatment, actively reduce intraocular pressure, and protect the optic nerve.