Acute Angle Closure Attack Research Articles

Glaucome et crise aiguë par fermeture de l’angle : phakoémulsification en première intention

Angle closure glaucoma is characterized by an optic neuropathy with a glaucomatous visual field defect with a white painless eye and mimics primary open-angle glaucoma. Acute angle closure attack is more symptomatic, with a red painful eye and elevated intraocular pressure. In both cases, iridocorneal angle closure is due to an increase in the thickness of the natural lens, which with age has a tendency to close a narrow angle. The rational approach to treating these situations is lens extraction. With today's improved lens extraction techniques, this surgical treatment should be proposed more frequently.

Long-term outcomes of laser peripheral iridectomy for primary angle closure glaucoma

To explore the long-term efficacy and safety of laser peripheral iridectomy for primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). It was a retrospective case series study. Data were collected from those patients who received laser peripheral iridectomy (LPI) for acute or chronic PACG from April 1992 through October 2002 at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Only patients who were followed for at least 5 years were included in this study. The control of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and managements after LPI were analyzed. All of the studied eyes were re-classified into three categories according to the status of anterior chamber angle, optic nerve head and visual field before LPI: primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Satisfactory control of IOP was defined as the IOP was less than 21 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) without any medications after LPI. No satisfactory control of IOP was defined as the IOP was greater than 21 mm Hg after LPI, yet could be controlled below 21 mm Hg by anti-glaucoma medications. A failure in IOP control was defined as an acute attack of angle closure developed or filtering surgery was required to control IOP after LPI. Chi-square analysis was used for comparison of IOP control in different groups. One hundred and thirty one patients (251 eyes) with PACG were eligible for this study. The mean follow-up period was (9.2 +/- 3.7) years. Of the 251 eyes, 18 eyes (7.2%) were identified as PACS, 98 eyes (39.0%) PAC, 129 eyes (51.4%) PACG, and 6 eyes (2.4%) could not be classified owing to the lack of the information on the optic nerve head and visual field before LPI. The rates of satisfactory control of IOP were 27.1% in all eyes, and 88.9% (16/18), 38.8% (38/98) and 10.9% (14/129) in PACS, PAC and PACG eyes respectively. The rates of no satisfactory control of IOP were 59.8% in all eyes, and 5.6% (1/18), 48.0% (47/98) and 75.2% (97/129) in PACS, PAC and PACG eyes respectively. The rates of failure in IOP control were 13.1% in all eyes, and 5.6% (1/18), 13.3% (13/98) and 14.0% (18/129) in PACS, PAC, PACG eyes respectively. The difference in IOP control between PACS, PAC and PACG eyes was statistically significant (chi(2) = 59.08, P = 0.000). Only 8 eyes had an acute attack of angle closure after LPI. No long-term complications after LPI were observed in all eyes. The IOP control after LPI in PACG eyes is not so good as expected. However, most of PACG eyes after LPI are free of acute attack of angle closure. PACG eyes should be given close and regular follow-up in a long-term to monitor the IOP control and the progression of PACG after LPI.

Recurrent acute angle-closure attacks in age-related macular degeneration-associated massive posterior segment hemorrhage

Recurrent acute angle-closure attacks in age-related macular degeneration-associated massive posterior segment hemorrhage

Correlation of previous acute angle-closure attack with extent of synechial angle closure in chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma patients

To document any correlation between previous acute angle-closure attack and the extent of synechial angle closure in chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. Consecutive cases of chronic PACG with patent peripheral iridotomy had gonioscopy performed. The extents of synechial angle closure of those chronic PACG eyes with previous documented acute angle-closure attack were compared to those eyes without such a history. A total of 102 chronic PACG eyes of 102 patients were recruited. Twenty-seven eyes (26.5%) had a previous documented acute angle closure, while 75 eyes (73.5%) did not. The mean extent of synechial angle closure +/-1 SD was 307+/-68 degrees (range, 150-360 degrees) in those chronic PACG eyes with a history of previous acute angle closure, compared to 266+/-89 degrees (range, 90-360 degrees) in those chronic PACG eyes without such a history (P=0.03, Student's t-test). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, LogMAR visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma eye drops, vertical cup-to-disk ratio, mean deviation or pattern SD in Humphrey automated perimetry, and anterior chamber depth (P>0.05). Previous acute angle-closure attack correlated with more extensive synechial angle closure in chronic PACG patients in this study.

Current Understanding of the Treatment and Outcome of Acute Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: An Asian Perspective

Introduction: Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a major cause of blindness among Asians. A better understanding of the disease will improve the treatment and outcome of this condition. Methods: A literature review of all recent publications on PACG was carried out. Articles were retrieved using a key word search of MEDLINE, PubMed and Science Citation Index databases. Results: Following laser peripheral iritodomy for acute angle-closure, Asians were found to have a higher tendency to develop a subsequent rise in intraocular pressure compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, the extent and severity of visual field damage was more severe in Asians than Caucasians, particularly in eyes that presented insidiously with chronic PACG. Prophylactic laser iridotomy in the contralateral eye was found to be highly effective in preventing acute angle-closure attacks. Conclusion: PACG is more difficult to manage and is associated with more severe long-term visual morbidity in Asians than Caucasians. Regular follow-up of patients with PACG is important for the early detection of progression of the disease and visual field deterioration.

Ocular Biometry in Acute and Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Aim: To evaluate the biometric difference between eyes with acute angle-closure (AAC) attack, their uninvolved fellow eyes and eyes with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG). Methods: Patients with prior laser iridotomy on both eyes for unilateral AAC attack or CACG were recruited. We compared ocular biometric parameters by A-scan ultrasonography of the acutely affected eyes with those of the uninvolved fellow eyes and with eyes affected by CACG. Results: Thirty-three patients with unilateral AAC attack and 41 patients with CACG were included. The eyes with AAC attack had a significantly shallower anterior chamber depth (ACD), thicker lens, shorter axial length, higher lens/axial length factor and more anteriorly positioned lens than the eyes with CACG. The uninvolved fellow eyes had a significantly shallower ACD, shorter axial length and higher lens/axial length factor compared with the eyes with CACG. Acutely affected eyes had a shallower ACD and more anteriorly positioned lens than did the uninvolved fellow eyes. Conclusion: Eyes with AAC attack had a more crowded anterior segment compared with uninvolved fellow eyes and those affected by CACG. In addition to ACD, relative lens size, represented by the lens/axial length factor, and relative lens position appear to play important roles in the development of AAC attack.

Retinal tear and raised intraocular pressure following unintentional intraocular botulinum toxin type A injection

Case report: A 67-year-old woman with a 30-year history of dysthyroid orbitopathy and diplopia had an inadvertent injection of botulinum toxin type A into the vitreous cavity. Full pupil mydriasis and an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 50 mm Hg in the right eye were noted after the injection. An attack of acute angle closure was initially suspected despite a patent peripheral iridotomy (PI). The episode resolved with topical and intravenous IOP-lowering agents. Postoperative retinal examination revealed a retinal tear, which was successfully treated with laser photocoagulation. Visual acuity returned to baseline within 2 weeks, and the results of further retinal examinations remained stable. Comments: This case supports the animal studies and human case reports that have demonstrated no retinal toxicity after intraocular injections of botulinum toxin type A. Temporary mydriasis and elevated IOP that may occur after injection do not appear to be detrimental and can be treated with topical and intravenous IOP-lowering agents. Transiently elevated IOP after injection is most likely due to volume increase, though acute angle closure with occlusion of the PI might be considered.

Effect of a Previous Acute Angle Closure Attack on the Corneal Endothelial Cell Density in Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma Patients

To document the effect of a previous acute angle closure attack on the corneal endothelial cell density in chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) patients. Consecutive cases of CACG with patent peripheral iridotomy had their central corneal endothelial cell density measured by specular microscopy. The corneal endothelial cell density of those CACG eyes with a previous documented acute angle closure attack were compared with those eyes without such a history, to determine the effect of a previous acute angle closure attack on corneal endothelial cell density. From July 2003 to July 2005, a total of 52 CACG eyes of 52 patients fulfilling the study criteria were recruited. Thirteen eyes (25%) had a previous documented acute angle closure attack, whereas 39 eyes (75%) did not. The mean central corneal endothelial cell density +/-1 standard deviation was 2271.7+/-312.9 (range, 1556 to 2661) cells/mm in those CACG eyes with previous acute angle closure, and 2570.0+/-429.9 (range, 1669 to 3861) cells/mm in those CACG eyes without previous acute angle closure (P < 0.05, Student t test). A previous acute angle closure attack in a CACG eye correlates with a 11.6% reduction in corneal endothelial cell density, compared with a CACG eye without such a history. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in age, LogMAR visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma eye drops, vertical cup-to-disk ratio, mean deviation or pattern standard deviation in Humphrey automated perimetry (P > 0.05). A previous acute angle closure attack correlates with a significantly reduced corneal endothelial cell density in CACG patients.

Anterior chamber paracentesis in patients with acute elevation of intraocular pressure

The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of anterior chamber paracentesis (ACP) in acute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). We prospectively enrolled 20 patients who presented with acute unilateral elevation of IOP above 50 mmHg. IOP was measured before, 10 min, and 1, 7 and 30 days after ACP. The outcome at 1 year was available in 19 patients. The patients included 14 cases of primary acute angle-closure attacks and six cases of secondary glaucoma. IOP decreased from 53.4 +/- 4.2 mmHg to 24.1 +/- 12.5 mmHg at 10 min, to 18.2 +/- 11.1 mmHg at 24 h, and to 16.4 +/- 10.7 mmHg 7 days after ACP. ACP combined with antiglaucomatous medications provided immediate relief of symptoms in all cases and improvement of corneal oedema in 17 cases. We noted three failures in secondary glaucoma. We performed a laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in 14 patients and a surgical procedure in 17 eyes. No complications related to ACP were observed. ACP is a safe and effective procedure for acute elevation of IOP in acute primary primary angle-closure but only remains an add-on therapy to usual treatments. However, this technique must be evaluated in larger series.

Long-term Outcomes in Fellow Eyes after Acute Primary Angle Closure in the Contralateral Eye

To determine the long-term outcome of the contralateral eye in Asian persons with a unilateral attack of acute primary angle closure (APAC). Cross-sectional observational case series. Seventy-nine individuals who were examined from 4 to 10 years after a unilateral episode of APAC at 2 Singapore hospitals. All subjects underwent a complete eye examination. The optic discs were graded clinically and photographically for the presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and automated visual field tests were assessed for damage. All visual fields and optic nerve photographs (when available) underwent a second evaluation by a masked glaucoma specialist, who assessed whether the changes were compatible with glaucoma. Glaucomatous optic neuropathy, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual impairment (defined as best-corrected visual acuity of worse than 6/12). Ninety of 138 eligible patients (65.2%) with APAC were examined, 79 with unilateral attacks. Subjects were predominantly Chinese (n = 68; 86%). There were 54 females (68%), and mean age was 68.5+/-8.9 years (standard deviation) at the time of APAC, with a mean duration of 6.3+/-1.5 years from the time of the APAC episode to the study examination. The contralateral eyes of 7 patients (8.9%) had definite or probable glaucoma, 2 of whom were felt to have glaucoma in that eye at the time of the attack. Three eyes had markedly cupped optic discs (cup-to-disc ratio > or = 0.9). Thirteen eyes (16.9%) had best-corrected vision worse than 6/12, due to cataract in almost half the cases. Only 1 eye had vision < 6/60, the cause of which was corneal decompensation. One other patient had only a central island remaining with vision of 6/12. Mean IOP of the study participants was 15.7+/-4.7 mmHg, with 6 subjects (7.6%) having undergone trabeculectomy. Definite or probable glaucoma was present at the time of diagnosis in 2 (2.5%) fellow eyes and developed in an additional 5 (6.5%) with a mean follow-up of 6 years. More than 80% of this cohort retained good vision in the contralateral eye, in contrast to the eye that underwent APAC. Unoperated cataract accounted for most of the visual impairment in this group.

Optical Coherence Tomography Measurement of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer After Acute Primary Angle Closure With Normal Visual Field

To detect retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after a single acute primary angle closure (APAC) attack with normal visual field. Prospective, observational case study. Twenty-eight patients who had a single unilateral APAC attack associated with normal visual fields at three months after remission and 28 single eyes from normal controls were enrolled. Duration of APAC attack was 5.9 +/- 2.7 hours. Comparisons of average RNFL thickness and RNFL thickness in four quadrants and in 12-o'clock-hour segments of the attacked eyes, unaffected fellow eyes, and normal controls were made using fast RNFL thickness (3.4) of Stratus optical coherence tomography. Significant differences were demonstrated comparing the inferior-quadrant RNFL thicknesses for the attacked eyes with those of the normal controls (P = .02) and fellow eyes (P = .02) using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's tests. Inferior region RNFL thickness was significantly decreased in the attacked eyes after an APAC episode associated with normal visual field.

Visualization of Anterior Chamber Angle Dynamics Using Optical Coherence Tomography

To describe the technology of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in imaging the anterior chamber angles and its impact on understanding the pathophysiology of angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). Observational case series. Three subjects with, respectively, impending angle-closure attack, plateau iris syndrome, and phacomorphic glaucoma were recruited. The anterior chamber angle in each patient was imaged with a commercially available OCT unit. The angle configurations were assessed and compared before and after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI). Visualization of the changes in the anterior chamber angle configurations and normalization of the intraocular pressure (IOP). A patient with impending angle-closure attack precipitated by a topical mydriatic agent was treated with LPI. Optical coherence tomography imaging of the anterior chamber angles was performed before and after the laser procedure. Conversion of anterior iris bowing and angle crowding to iris straightening and angle opening after LPI was demonstrated. Intraocular pressure became normalized with the change in angle configuration. The second patient presented with symptoms of intermittent angle-closure attacks and was initially diagnosed with primary ACG. Despite successful LPI, the angles remained occludable, and the IOP continued to be elevated. Optical coherence tomography was used to review the anterior chamber angle configuration and demonstrated a typical pattern compatible with the diagnosis of plateau iris syndrome. Subsequent ALPI converted the plateau configuration to open angle, with normalization of IOP and disappearance of symptoms. The third patient presented with an acute angle-closure attack and was diagnosed with phacomorphic glaucoma. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty was performed successfully to open the angle, as evident by the OCT images, and the IOP was brought under control, together with relief of symptoms. The commercially available OCT unit can be practically employed for anterior chamber angle imaging. The different patterns of angle configurations are correlated with the underlying pathophysiology in different forms of ACG.

Long-term outcomes in asians after acute primary angle closure

Purpose To determine the long-term outcome of Asian eyes with an acute attack of primary angle closure (APAC) and to identify risk factors at presentation associated with the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Design Cross-sectional observational case series. Participants Ninety individuals who were initially seen with APAC 4 to 10 years previously at 2 Singapore hospitals. Methods All subjects underwent a complete eye examination, including visual acuity, visual field testing, dilated eye examination, and optic nerve head photography. The optic discs were judged clinically and photographically as to whether there was glaucomatous optic neuropathy present, and visual fields were assessed for corresponding visual field loss. All visual fields and optic nerve photographs underwent a second evaluation by an experienced, but masked, glaucoma specialist, who assessed whether the changes were compatible with glaucoma. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures were blindness (defined as best-corrected visual acuity worse than 6/60 and/or central visual field of less than 20° in the attack eye) and glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). Results A total of 90 of 170 eligible subjects (65.2%) were examined. All subjects were Asian and were predominantly Chinese (78 subjects [86.7%]). There were 61 females (67.8%), and the age of the subjects was 62.0±9.0 years (mean ± standard deviation) at the time of APAC, with a mean duration of 6.3±1.5 years from the time of the APAC episode to the study examination. Sixteen (17.8%) subjects were blind in the attack eye; half of the cases of blindness were caused by glaucoma. Forty-three subjects (47.8%) had GON, with 13 eyes (15.5%) having markedly cupped optic discs (cup-to-disc ratio >0.9). Thirty-eight eyes (58%) had best-corrected vision worse than 6/9, with cataract responsible for close to half the cases of poor vision. There were no identifiable risk factors related to the APAC episode that were significantly associated with the presence of GON. Conclusions Several years after being seen with APAC, 17.8% of subjects examined were blind in the attack eye, and almost half had glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Vision was also reduced in a large number of individuals, largely from unoperated cataract. Subjects with APAC would benefit from regular follow-up to monitor for visual field decline and glaucoma development.

Re: Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty as Initial Treatment of Acute Attack of Primary Angle-Closure: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study: Reply to Letter to the Editor

Re: Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty as Initial Treatment of Acute Attack of Primary Angle-Closure: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study: Reply to Letter to the Editor

Corneal endothelial status in the subtypes of primary angle closure glaucoma

To study the corneal endothelium and pachymetry in eyes with different subtypes of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), as compared to controls. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 consecutive patients in each subtype of PACG, subacute, acute and chronic, and 30 age and refraction matched controls. The parameters recorded included gonioscopy, optic disc evaluation, applanation tonometry, specular microscopy and central ultrasonic pachymetry. The mean endothelial cell counts in the four groups were as follows: subacute PACG 2396 +/- 271 cells/mm2, acute PACG 1597 +/- 653 cells/mm2, chronic PACG 2229 +/- 655 cells/mm2 and controls 2461 +/- 321 cells/mm2. The mean endothelial cell count in the fellow eyes of subacute PACG, acute PACG and chronic PACG patients was 2294 +/- 305 cells/mm2, 2388 +/- 226 cells/mm2 and 2108 +/- 203 cells/mm2, respectively (NS). The acute PACG patients had significantly lower endothelial cell counts (P < 0.001) as compared to the other three groups. Eyes in which the acute attack of angle closure persisted for less than 72 h had a mean endothelial cell count of 2016 +/- 306 cells/mm2, as compared to 759 +/- 94.4 cells/mm2 in eyes with an attack lasting for 72 h or more (P < 0.001). The endothelial count was also significantly lower in eyes with chronic PACG as compared to control eyes (P < 0.001). There was increased pleomorphism and polymegathism of the corneal endothelial cells seen in eyes with resolved acute and chronic PACG. The mean central corneal thickness was 531.4 +/- 25.3 microm in eyes with subacute PACG, 567.9 +/- 37.3 microm in eyes with acute PACG, 526.4 +/- 31.9 microm in eyes with chronic PACG and 525 +/- 12.6 microm in control eyes. The acute PACG eyes had a significantly higher corneal thickness (P < 0.001) when compared to all the other groups. There is a significant decrease in the corneal endothelial cell density in eyes that have had an acute attack of angle closure glaucoma and in eyes with chronic PACG. The endothelial cell population in eyes with sub-acute PACG and in the fellow eyes of all subtypes of PACG is not significantly different from the normal population.

Scanning laser polarimetry in patients with acute attack of primary angle closure

Purpose To compare the retinal nerve fiber layer measurements of attacked eyes with their fellow eyes after a single unilateral attack of acute primary angle closure (APAC). Methods Patients with a single episode of APAC in 1 eye, successfully treated with laser peripheral iridotomy, were recruited. Eyes with persistently raised intraocular pressure (IOP) after resolution of the acute attack were excluded. Scanning laser polarimetry was carried out at 6 months after remission of the acute attack. The various parameters between the attacked and the fellow eyes were compared using the Student t-test. Results Twenty-six patients (24 female and 2 male, mean age 66.9±8.1 years) were recruited. The duration of the APAC ranged from 5 to 98 hours (mean, 36.3 hours). The mean presenting IOP during the acute attack was 62.0±9.4 mm Hg. Only the mean inferior ratio and the ellipse modulation showed a statistically significant difference between the attacked and the fellow eyes among the 12 standard scanning laser polarimetry measurement parameters. Conclusion No severe retinal nerve fiber layer damage was documented in eyes that suffered a single episode of APAC with duration of attack up to 48 hours. With duration of attack longer than 48 hours, retinal nerve fiber layer damage was detected.

Sudden Visual Loss Associated With Sexual Activity

I found the article "Sudden Visual Loss Associated With Sexual Activity" by Friberg et al¹interesting, as did, apparently, much of the lay press. In September 1974, the<i>Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology</i>published my article "Ophthalmodynia Hypertonica Copulationis—A New Syndrome?" (1974;9: 484-485) in which acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks seemed to be precipitated by prolonged sexual intercourse, in a prone position, in a darkened room. First eggs and cheese, then red meat, then white wine, and now sex—are there<i>any</i>safe pleasures left?

Intraocular Pressure Changes in Nephropathia Epidemica: A Prospective Study of 37 Patients with Acute Systemic Puumala Virus Infection

Background: Nephropathia epidemica is a zoonose in the group of hemorrhagic fevers with renal syndrome and is caused by Puumala virus in Hantavirusgenus. The purpose of this study is to find out how the intraocular pressure (IOP) is affected by the acute phase of this disease and how it relates to the previous case reports on angle-closure glaucoma attacks.Patients and Methods: The prospective study documents IOP and anterior chamber depth measurements in 37 patients during the winter epidemic of nephropathia epidemica from 1992 to 1.993. Ocular examinations were performed during the acute systemic infection and after clinical recovery.Results: The IOP was lower and the anterior chamber shallower in the acute phase than after the clinical recovery of nephropathic epidemica. The mean differences in IOP were 1.8 mmHg in the right eye and 1.9 mmHg in the left (P < 0.001) and the mean differences in the anterior chamber depth were 0.22 mm in the right eye and 0.20 mm in the left (P < 0.001). No acute angle-closure attacks with highly elevated IOP were encountered in this study. The mean IOP did not rise higher than 14.3 mmHg in both eyes after the clinical recovery of systemic infection.Conclusion: In contradistinction to earlier assumptions, Puumala virus infection decreases the IOP. Shallowing of anterior chamber and narrowing of the anterior chamber angle in the acute phase of nephropathia epidemica did not lead to angle-closure attacks in this series.

The Endothelium in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Specular microscopy of 56 eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma showed a significant (P less than .05) loss of endothelial cells in eyes when any of the following were present: visual field loss; a cup-disk ratio greater than 0.5; a previous acute attack of angle closure; and surgery in addition to peripheral iridectomy.

Side Effects and Ways to Avoid Them

Pilocarpine, a parasympathomimetic drug used in the treatment of glaucoma, produces a variety of ocular and systemic adverse reactions. Ocular side effects include miosis, accommodative spasm, frontal headaches, twitching lids, conjunctival injection, cataractous changes, allergic reactions, iris cysts, retinal detachment, increased permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier, anterior chamber narrowing, and the potential for inducing an acute angle-closure attack. Systemic side effects include nausea, vomiting, tenesmus, abdominal spasm, salivation, lacrimation, sweating, pulmonary edema, and bronchial spasm. The systemic side effects can best be minimized initially through proper use of the medication and nasolacrimal occlusion. The Ocusert,® a long-acting pilocarpine-incorporated ocular insert, is a recent advance in delivery technique that offers an adequate hypotensive action with fewer side effects. Pilopex® is a promising new experimental pilocarpine polymer salt presently being studied in Israel. Photomydriasis, a process involving the use of a laser to enlarge miotic pupils also offers help for these patients. N-demethylated carbachol is a new parasympathomimetic drug currently under study for glaucoma therapy. Initial results show that it may have considerable ocular hypotensive action with fewer adverse effects.