Closed Angle Glaucoma Surgery Problems

Closed angle glaucoma must be corrected with surgery.

Closed angle glaucoma is a serious medical condition that causes a rapid rise in pressure inside the eye, intense pain and blurred vision. This disorder requires emergency surgical treatment on both eyes and may result in problems or complications.

Iridotomy

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, doctors may perform an iridotomy to create a small opening in the iris of the eye to reduce pressure. This procedure may cause blurred vision and may require four to eight weeks for normal vision to return.

Second Eye

Surgeons usually perform an iridotomy on an unaffected eye after the first eye has been treated because closed angle glaucoma may develop in the unaffected eye.

Phacoemulsification

A doctor may use a phacoemulsification procedure to treat patients with cataracts and closed angle glaucoma. The surgeon breaks up a clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens.

Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses may cause an immune response in patients and the growth of secondary cataracts on their new lenses.

Other Complications

Patients who experience phacoemulsification and receive intraocular lenses may develop swelling and inflammation in the eyes as well as experience glare from light.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Glaucoma Surgery
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Cataracts Treatment