My wife went for an eye exam and was told that she has narrow angle glaucoma. she was told to get checked again in two years. Her mother had the same problem and was treated immediately with laser surgery, Can this problem wait for two years? If her pressures increase quickly will there be time for treatment?
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
When an ophthalmologist makes a diagnosis of glaucoma, it is because he or she sees evidence of nerve damage related to pressure. This requires treatment, either medical or surgical. There are, however, some people who have potential risk factors that make us concerned that glaucoma may develop in the future. These people need to be monitored regularly, but require no treatment.
If your ophthalmologist said that nothing needed to be done for two years, it is unlikely that your wife really has glaucoma. She may have narrow anterior chamber angles, which are a risk factor for developing acute glaucoma, but if the pressure is not elevated and there is no sign of nerve damage, there is no glaucoma.
Acute angle closure glaucoma is a medical emergency which must be treated immediately to prevent vision loss. Symptoms of acute angle closure are: severe eye pain (usually in just one eye), blurred vision, seeing haloes around lights, and nausea. If this should develop, treatment usually consists of a laser surgical procedure which helps to reduce the pressure.
In some people with markedly narrow angles, this laser procedure is done prophylactically to prevent an acute elevation of pressure.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996