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1. Canadian Ophthalmological Society Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Glaucoma in the Adult Eye
3. Angle-closure glaucomas The most useful classification for angle-closure glaucoma is based upon etiology.
The most important criterion is the presence or absence of pupil block, with further sub-classification into primary and secondary mechanisms.
The prevalence of PACG varies significantly among different ethnic groups. Acronyms
PACG = primary angle-closure glaucomaAcronyms
PACG = primary angle-closure glaucoma
4. Angle-closure glaucomas Patients with PACG commonly present with1 of 3 possible scenarios:
acute angle closure,
narrow angle at risk of acute closure with normalIOP, or
creeping angle closure with or without elevated IOP.
Patients may present with what appears to be chronic OAG, but angle closure is subsequently discovered on gonioscopy. Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
OAG = open-angle glaucoma
PACG = primary angle-closure glaucomaAcronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
OAG = open-angle glaucoma
PACG = primary angle-closure glaucoma
5. Classification of angle closurebased on functional cause Acronyms
AC IOL = anterior chamber intraocular lens
ICE = iridocorneal-endothelialAcronyms
AC IOL = anterior chamber intraocular lens
ICE = iridocorneal-endothelial
6. Risk factors for development ofprimary angle closure Axial hyperopia
Family history of angle closure
Advancing age
Female gender
East Asian ethnicity
Inuit ethnicity
Latino ethnicity
Shallow peripheral anterior chamber
Short axial length eyes
7. Acute angle closure: Signs and symptoms Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
8. Narrow angle at risk of closure(angle-closure suspect) A patient would be considered an angle-closure suspect if he or she had iridotrabecular contact on gonioscopy without PAS, and without GON and VF damage.
There are usually no symptoms associated with a narrow angle; however, intermittent angle closure is possible.
Acronyms
GON = glaucomatous optic neuropathy
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
VF = visual fieldAcronyms
GON = glaucomatous optic neuropathy
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
VF = visual field
9. Narrow angle at risk of closure(angle-closure suspect) (cont’d) Signs of narrow angle at risk of closure include:
Shallow peripheral anterior chamber and an open angle on gonioscopy.
Trabecular meshwork, while still visible, is almost or partially occluded.
The IOP is not elevated.
Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
10. Creeping angle closure There are no symptoms associated with creeping angle closure.
Signs include:
normal or elevated IOP,
PAS in portions of the angle,
possible optic disc damage, and
possible glaucomatous VF defects.
Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
VF = visual fieldAcronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
VF = visual field
11. Diagnosis ofAngle Closure Glaucomas
12. Diagnosis ofangle closure glaucoma Diagnosis requires a detailed history and physical exam.
History must include:
whether the pupil has ever been pharmacologically dilated,
medication history to elicit the use of medications that may dilate the pupil, such as those:
with anticholinergic effects/side effects
that counteract the iris sphincter muscle
with sympathomimetic effects that work on the iris dilator muscle,
that may cause anterior movement of the lens iris diaphragm (e.g., sulfonamides)
family history of acute glaucoma or previous laser iridotomy in a first-degree relative, and
personal history indicative of symptoms of previousintermittent attacks of angle closure.
13. Diagnosis ofangle closure glaucoma On examination, it is important to note:
visual acuity
refractive error
pupil size and reaction
presence of corneal edema
anterior chamber depth centrally and peripherally
presence of iris or angle new vessels indicative of neovascularization
presence of anterior chamber inflammation
IOP
lens appearance Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
14. Diagnosis ofangle closure glaucoma Gonioscopy of both eyes is mandatory to assess the depth of the anterior chamber and the presence of PAS (compression gonioscopy with a Zeiss-type lens is very useful in differentiating PAS from apposition). Acronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiaeAcronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
15. Gonioscopy technique innarrow angles Recommendation
Careful gonioscopy, performed under ideal conditions (dim ambient light, narrow light beam from the slit lamp, use of compression gonioscopy) is fundamental to assess the presence of angle closure in patients suspected of having narrow angles [Consensus].
16. Treatment of Angle-Closure Glaucomas
17. Treatment ofangle-closure glaucoma Treatment should be based on the type and cause of the angle closure, i.e.:
primary acute angle closure,
narrow angle with normal IOP,
chronic angle closure, or
secondary angle closure (which will further depend upon the particular underlying mechanism). Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
18. Treatment of primary acuteangle closure Upon diagnosis, agents to lower IOP are indicated, including:
topical beta blockers
topical miotics
topical alpha-2 adrenergic agents
topical and (or) systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
prostaglandins
systemic hyperosmotics Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
19. Treatment of primary acuteangle closure (cont’d) Topical glycerol 100% (to achieve temporary clearing of the cornea when edema is present) may be useful.
Corneal indentation (Anderson manoeuvre)1 with the tip of the Goldmann tonometer or Zeiss 4-mirror lens may be useful.
Laser iridotomy should be performed when the cornea is clear. References
Anderson DR. Corneal indentation to relieve acute angle-closure glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1979;88:1091–3.References
Anderson DR. Corneal indentation to relieve acute angle-closure glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1979;88:1091–3.
20. Treatment of primary acuteangle closure (cont’d) In some instances, when the acute attack cannot be broken, peripheral laser iridoplasty may be helpful.1
In some instances, anterior chamber paracentesis,2 lens extraction,3 or surgical iridectomy4 may be useful.
Laser iridotomy to the fellow eye is indicated to prevent an attack in the fellow eye (if it is similarly predisposed).5 References
Lai JSM, Tham CCY, Chua JKH, et al. Laser peripheral iridoplasty as initial treatment of acute attack of primary angle closure: A long term follow up study. J Glaucoma 2002;11:484–7.
Lam DSC, Lai JSM, Tham CCY, et al. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty versus conventional systemic medical therapy in treatment of acute primary angle closure glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2002;109:1591–6.
Lam DSC, Chua JKH, Tham CCT, et al. Efficacy and safety of immediate anterior chamber paracentesis in the treatment of acute primary angle closure glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2002;109:64–70.
Greve EL. Primary angle closure glaucoma: extracapsular extraction or filtering procedure? Int Ophthalmol 1988;12:157–62.
Schwartz GF, Steinmann WC, Spaeth GL, Wilson RP. Surgical and medical management of patients with narrow anterior chamber angles: comparative results. Ophthalmic Surg 1992;23:108–12.
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
Saw SM, Gazzard, Friedman DS. Interventions for angle closure glaucoma. An evidence based update. Ophthalmology 2003;110:1869–79.References
Lai JSM, Tham CCY, Chua JKH, et al. Laser peripheral iridoplasty as initial treatment of acute attack of primary angle closure: A long term follow up study. J Glaucoma 2002;11:484–7.
Lam DSC, Lai JSM, Tham CCY, et al. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty versus conventional systemic medical therapy in treatment of acute primary angle closure glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2002;109:1591–6.
Lam DSC, Chua JKH, Tham CCT, et al. Efficacy and safety of immediate anterior chamber paracentesis in the treatment of acute primary angle closure glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2002;109:64–70.
Greve EL. Primary angle closure glaucoma: extracapsular extraction or filtering procedure? Int Ophthalmol 1988;12:157–62.
Schwartz GF, Steinmann WC, Spaeth GL, Wilson RP. Surgical and medical management of patients with narrow anterior chamber angles: comparative results. Ophthalmic Surg 1992;23:108–12.
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
Saw SM, Gazzard, Friedman DS. Interventions for angle closure glaucoma. An evidence based update. Ophthalmology 2003;110:1869–79.
21. Treatment of narrow anglewith normal IOP Laser iridotomy is effective as a preventive measure in patients at moderate to high risk of experiencing an angle closure attack.1,2
An occludable angle would include:
those with any degree of appositional closure, or
when more than 180° of trabecular meshwork cannot be visualized with proper gonioscopic maneuvers.
When the trabecular meshwork can be visualized for 360°, but the approach is very narrow and therefore felt to be at risk for closure, consideration should also be given to performing an iridotomy. Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
References
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressure
References
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
22. Laser iridotomy — prophylaxisagainst acute angle closure Recommendation
Laser peripheral iridotomy should be performed in patients with narrow angles at risk for an attack of acute angle closure [Level 1B1,2]. References
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
References
Ang LP, Aung T, Chew PT. Acute primary angle closure in an Asian population. Long term outcome of the fellow eye after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2092–6.
Friedman DS, Chew PTK, Gazzard G, et al. Long term outcomes in fellow eyes after acute primary angle closure in the contralateral eye. Ophthalmology 2006;113:1087–91.
23. Treatment ofchronic angle closure Angle closure becomes chronic when permanent PAS develop.
Once the pupil block component has been resolved by laser iridotomy, the IOP control is achieved by the same protocol as with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
24. Treatment of secondary angle closure Treatment is aimed at the specific etiology, e.g.:
In lens-induced mechanisms, lensectomy may be indicated.
In neovascularization, intravitreal anti-VEGF medication may help cause regression of the fibrovascular membrane. Acronym
VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factorAcronym
VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor
25. Laser iridotomy —suspected pupillary block Recommendation
Laser peripheral iridotomy should almost always be considered to remove the pupil block component in angle closure. It is even indicated in suspected cases of angle closure due to posterior mechanisms or plateau iris appearance in order to eliminate any possible pupillary block component. It is not indicated in cases secondary to anterior mechanisms such as angle neovascularization, iritis with PAS, iridocorneal-endothelial syndrome or epithelial down growth, as pupil block is not typically a factor in these situations [Consensus]. Acronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiaeAcronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
26. Neovascular Glaucoma
27. Neovascular glaucoma Neovascular glaucoma is a common form of secondary non-pupil block anterior-mechanism glaucoma.
The most common inciting factors are:
posterior segment ischemia due to central retinalvein occlusion, or
diabetes mellitus.
These lead to anterior segment iris and angle new vessel formation.
The angle new vessels form a fibrovascular membrane, which contracts to create PAS and angle closure.
Acronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
Acronym
PAS = peripheral anterior synechiae
28. Treatment ofneovascular glaucoma Treatment is aimed at controlling the cause of the new vessels:
by PRP, and
possibly intraocular injection of anti-VEGF medication.
IOP is controlled by the usual protocol as for open-angle glaucoma.
If there is significant visual potential, filtering surgery is often required.
If there is minimal visual potential, cycloablation is useful.1 Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PRP = panretinal laser photocoagulation
VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor
Reference
Iliev ME, Gerber S. Long-term Outcome of trans-scleral laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol 2007;91:1631–5.Acronyms
IOP = intraocular pressure
PRP = panretinal laser photocoagulation
VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor
Reference
Iliev ME, Gerber S. Long-term Outcome of trans-scleral laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol 2007;91:1631–5.
29. Ciliary Block Glaucoma
30. Ciliary block glaucoma Ciliary block glaucoma (malignant glaucoma or aqueous misdirection) is a rare cause of secondary non-pupil block posterior-mechanism glaucoma.
It may occur after intraocular surgery of any kind, and may even occur after a laser iridotomy.
It is likely due to ciliary body rotation and aqueous misdirection posteriorly.
It may occur in phakic, pseudophakic or aphakic eyes.
31. Treatment ofciliary block glaucoma Initial treatment includes:
laser iridotomy to minimize any potential pupil block component, as well as
maximal cycloplegia with atropine.1
Acute treatment includes:
topical beta blockers
topical and (or) systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
prostaglandins, alpha-2 adrenergic agents
systemic hyperosmotics
Reference
Chandler PA, Simmons RJ, Grant WM. Malignant glaucoma. Medical and surgical treatment. Am J Ophthalmol 1968;66:2495–502.
Reference
Chandler PA, Simmons RJ, Grant WM. Malignant glaucoma. Medical and surgical treatment. Am J Ophthalmol 1968;66:2495–502.
32. Treatment of ciliary blockglaucoma (cont’d) If the attack cannot be broken:
in phakic eyes:
a vitrectomy is indicated
in pseudophakic or aphakic eyes:
an attempt at Nd:YAG laser lysis of the anterior hyaloid and posterior capsule (hyaloidotomy or vitreolysis) may avoid a vitrectomy1
Reference
Epstein DL, Steinert RF, Puliafito CA. Neodymium-YAG laser therapy to the anterior hyaloid in aphakic malignant (ciliovitreal block) glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1984;98:137–43.Reference
Epstein DL, Steinert RF, Puliafito CA. Neodymium-YAG laser therapy to the anterior hyaloid in aphakic malignant (ciliovitreal block) glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1984;98:137–43.
33. Aqueous misdirection syndrome Recommendation
Ciliary block (aqueous misdirection syndrome) must be considered in any patient with postoperative shallow anterior chamber with elevated or normal IOP [Consensus]. Acronym
IOP = intraocular pressureAcronym
IOP = intraocular pressure