An Overview of Treatment Methods for Primary Angle Closure.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Angle closure glaucoma accounts for 25% of all glaucoma, with Asia having the highest rate. Angle closure is an anatomical variation, making the Inuit, Chinese, and other Asians more susceptible. Current treatments include medical, laser, and surgical modalities.

PURPOSE: To identify the current treatment protocols for primary angle closure.

DISCUSSION: The current general protocol to treat angle closure is to lower the intraocular pressure with medications and perform laser iridotomy. However, cataract surgery, laser iridoplasty, goniosynechiolysis, diode cyclophotocoagulation, and filtering surgery are additional treatment modalities used for primary angle closure.

CONCLUSION: Primary angle closure occurs due to various anatomical angle variations. Laser iridotomy is not the sole method of treatment. Specifically, cataract surgery can be particularly effective in the treatment and prevention of angle closure. Recalcitrant cases can be treated with trabeculectomy and shunt implants, although these are not usually first-line treatments.