What Treatments are Available for Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious concern, so it’s important not to underestimate the threat of this ocular disorder. Though it can occur at any age, it’s more common during one’s later years and is among the leading causes of blindness in older individuals.

Therefore, the best course of action is to seek expert treatment as soon as possible to arrest the development of this disease and achieve the best possible outcome. So, if you notice any visual anomalies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley in Napa, CA.

A laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is a quick, safe, and effective treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma

Glaucoma isn’t a single disorder, but a grouping of disorders that cause increased pressure within the eye. As the pressure builds up, it damages the ocular tissues, notably the optic nerve. And the optic nerve is essential, as it relays sight signals from the eye to the brain and makes vision possible.

One form, narrow-angle glaucoma, interrupts the janitorial duties that occur invisibly within. A healthy eye performs all sorts of intricate and imperceptible functions that many of us take for granted. Or until these functions are interrupted by some injury, disorder, or other problem, reminding us how important and underappreciated ocular health can be.

One of these vital “housekeeping” tasks is the flow of aqueous ocular fluid. This liquid flows between the iris (the colored part of the eye, which adjusts its size via muscular action to let in more or less light) and the lens, which focuses that light onto the light-sensitive cells of the retina at the back of the eye. The fluid also filters through the trabecular network, located at the juncture of the iris and the cornea (the protective outermost portion of the eye).

If the flowing and filtering are disrupted, fluid can be trapped inside, increasing the pressure and damaging the optic nerve. If this occurs, a laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) may be necessary to create a hole on the outer edge of the iris so that fluid can escape. But have no worries; the procedure causes minimal discomfort and only takes a few minutes. For your safety and optimal outcome, a laser is used to make the small hole. You will need someone to drive you home, but otherwise, you’ll experience almost zero downtime.

Narrow-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency, so please seek help right away if you notice the following symptoms

An especially dangerous part of narrow-angle glaucoma is that it causes a more severe and rapid rise in intraocular pressure, compared to other forms of glaucoma. Therefore, it can quickly and permanently cause vision loss. So, it’s imperative to be on the lookout for the following symptoms and to be aware that sudden onset could signal this potent disorder in Napa, CA:

• Sudden vision loss, blurriness, or haziness

• Severe eye or head pain that occurs suddenly

• Seeing halos, or rainbow-colored circles around lights

• Eye redness or abnormally dilated pupils

• Even nonvisual symptoms, like vomiting and/or nausea

Contact us today to secure an optimal ocular outcome

Since narrow-angle glaucoma can have an expedited manifestation and cause permanent vision loss more quickly, timely treatment is crucial. But we’re dedicated to your eye health and helping you achieve the best results possible. So, if you experience any of the previous symptoms, please reach out to us at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley. Or visit us at our Napa, CA facility as soon as possible.