Glaucoma

Open-angle vs. Angle-closure

Glaucoma can be separated into two categories. In open-angle, drain of the eye (the trabecular meshwork) is visible to the doctor inspecting the eye, and although it appears normal, it does not function normally. Because the trabecular meshwork is open and visible, the glaucoma is called open-angle.

In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris (the colored part of the eye) physically obstructs the drain of the eye. When the doctor looks in at the drain, he is unable to see it, because the iris is in the way. The iris is blocking the drain. This is why this type of glaucoma is called angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma often comes on slowly and is commonly called chronic glaucoma. Because at times angle-closure glaucoma comes on very rapidly, it is often referred to as acute glaucoma or acute angle-closure glaucoma.