Introduction:

Primary Angle-Closure (PAC) Glaucoma is a serious eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to the blockage of the eye's drainage angle. If left untreated, PAC glaucoma can lead to vision loss. This article provides a comprehensive overview of PAC glaucoma, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Understanding Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma:

In the eye, there is a space called the anterior chamber. This chamber is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor, which nourishes the eye. A small channel called the trabecular meshwork allows this fluid to drain out of the eye. In PAC glaucoma, the drainage angle gets blocked, causing a buildup of aqueous humor, which increases intraocular pressure and damages the optic nerve.

Causes:

Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma can occur due to several factors:

• Anatomical Factors: Some people have a naturally narrow drainage angle, making them more susceptible to angle closure.
• Age: The risk of PAC glaucoma increases with age, particularly in people over 40.
• Family History: A family history of glaucoma can raise the risk of developing PAC glaucoma.
• Hyperopia: Farsightedness can increase the risk, as the eyeball is often smaller in hyperopic individuals.

Symptoms:

PAC glaucoma can present with sudden and severe symptoms, including:

• Eye pain: Intense eye pain, often described as a deep ache.
• Blurred vision: Vision becomes hazy or blurred.
• Rainbow-colored halos: Seeing colored halos around lights, especially in low-light conditions.
• Nausea and vomiting: Due to the severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Redness and a hazy cornea: The eye may appear red, and the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) may become cloudy.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing PAC glaucoma typically involves:

• Tonometry: Measuring intraocular pressure using a tonometer.
• Gonioscopy: Examining the drainage angle with a special lens to determine if it is closed or narrowed.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Assessing the optic nerve for signs of damage.
• Visual field testing: Evaluating peripheral vision to detect vision loss.

Treatment Options:

The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options include:

• Medications: Eye drops or oral medications can lower intraocular pressure.
• Laser therapy: Laser peripheral iridotomy creates a small hole in the peripheral iris, allowing aqueous humor to flow more freely.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures like trabeculectomy or implantation of drainage devices may be necessary.

Regular Eye Exams:

Since PAC glaucoma can progress rapidly and lead to permanent vision loss, regular eye exams are crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk.

Conclusion:

Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a sight-threatening condition caused by the blockage of the eye's drainage angle, leading to increased intraocular pressure. Recognizing its symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is essential to prevent vision loss.

Meta-description: Primary Angle-Closure (PAC) Glaucoma can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to safeguard your eye health.