What is Angle-Closure Glaucoma? - Glaucoma Glossary

Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the iris rapidly or chronically pushes forward, physically blocking the trabecular meshwork and preventing aqueous fluid from escaping.

What it means for the patient

This is a less common but potentially more dangerous form of glaucoma. The space where fluid normally drains is suddenly or slowly pinched shut by your iris, causing eye pressure to spike rapidly. Acute cases are a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Clinical significance

PACG can cause rapid, irreversible blinding damage over hours to days in an acute attack. It requires urgent intervention, typically via Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), to restore anatomical drainage access.

How it is tracked

Patients are monitored for narrow angles via gonioscopy, and post-LPI IOP stabilization is tracked on the clinical dashboard.