What is narrow-angle glaucoma?

Eye anatomy problem: The cornea of the eye comes down like a dome over the iris. Where the two meet is called the angle, and this is where fluid drains from the eye internally. In narrow-angle glaucoma, there is very little space between the cornea and the iris at the angle, and the drainage channels become physically blocked by the iris. This causes increased eye pressure, which then can lead to optic nerve damage.

Anatomical Proble: Angle closure glaucoma is far less common than open angle glaucoma. The pathology is based on an anatomical narrowing of the drainage site where fluid made inside the eye drains out. Think plumbing: a clogged drain backs up, and in the eye the pressure increases dramatically. Very painful and vision can be lost entirely in a few hours. High risk patients should be treated, but only if high risk.