Case-based approach to managing angle closure glaucoma with anterior segment imaging

Abstract

This is a case-based approach to the diagnosis and management of angle closure glaucoma of a variety of causative factors, with a special emphasis on the use of advanced anterior segment imaging including ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Although all angle closure is caused by iridotrabecular contact, the cause of angle closure glaucoma is classified based on the site of primary blockage of aqueous movement from anterior to posterior: pupillary block, plateau iris, lens-related, and posterior causative factors. Although gonioscopy is traditionally used to visualize the angle structures and estimate the angle width, objective and reproducible measurement of the anterior chamber angle can best be obtained with advanced anterior segment imaging. In this review article, we demonstrate the utility of anterior advanced imaging to identify underlying mechanisms in cases of angle closure glaucoma in guiding directed management.