Angle Recession Glaucoma develops after an injury or trauma to the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the tissue in the eye’s angle is damaged, resulting in elevated pressure within the eye. This elevated eye pressure eventually damages the optic nerve resulting in angle recession glaucoma. Though this condition cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available to prevent loss of vision, if the condition is diagnosed early. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to your vision. Here are useful insights curated by some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on angle recession glaucoma and what can be done to treat the condition:
Insight 1: An eye injury can lead to angle recession glaucoma
When the eyes are healthy, clear fluid in them flows around the front part and drains through tiny canals near the outer edge of the iris. This spot is called the ‘drainage angle’. This continuous drainage of fluid keeps the pressure inside your eye at a healthy level. However, an eye injury can cause the fluid to build up – as a result, there is an increase in pressure inside the eye. This increasing pressure can damage the optic nerve causing blurry vision and light sensitivity. However, not every injury leads to angle recession glaucoma.
Insight 2: A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma
A blunt trauma is the most common cause of angle recession glaucoma. Some of the most common types are:
- Sports injuries such as getting punched or elbowed in the eye or hit with an object in the eye
- Car accidents that cause facial trauma
- Physical assault
- Severe falls
- Industrial injuries
Insight 3: There may not be early warning signs
There are no early signs of glaucoma. And, it is the same with angle recession glaucoma. The high eye pressure slowly damages the fibres in the optic nerve. By the time you will notice any change in vision, the condition would have worsened. Loss of peripheral vision is one of the most common symptoms of angle recession glaucoma.
Angle recession glaucoma can develop even years after the injury. Some people even forget about the injury by the time glaucoma develops. It is, therefore, important to schedule annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist. This is all the more important if you have suffered an eye injury. You will be screened for angle recession and timely treatment can be started to protect your vision.
Insight 4: For diagnosis, eye pressure and drainage angle needs to be checked
The two most common tests that your ophthalmologist will conduct to check for glaucoma are — tonometry and gonioscopy. Tonometry is done to determine the pressure inside the eye while gonioscopy helps to check the drainage angle of the eye. The eye doctor may also ask you to get
a visual field test to check the peripheral vision for losses you may not have noticed yourself.
Insight 5: Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed but more vision loss can be prevented
The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, by seeking timely treatment, further damage can be slowed. The severity of the eye injury will decide the course of treatment. Some of the treatment options are:
- Medication: Prescription eye drops medications lowers the amount of fluid and, thus, lower eye pressure. Usually, eye doctors prescribe the medications and monitor the eye pressure every month.
- Laser treatment: Laser treatment may be recommended when the medications are not effective at lowering excessive eye pressure.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested. During the surgery, a new opening in the white of your eye is created. This opening allows fluid to drain and this reduces eye pressure.
Insight 6: To prevent angle recession glaucoma, protect your eyes from injuries
Angle recession glaucoma may not be entirely preventable in every case. But you can reduce the risk by taking certain precautions such as wearing safety glasses when working with tools or when you play sports.
