angle-closure glaucoma

[ang-guhl--kloh-zher glaw-koh-muh, glou-koh-muh]

noun

Ophthalmology.

1. a type of glaucoma, abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye, usually caused by pressure of the iris against the lens, which traps the aqueous humor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of angle-closure glaucoma¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma can be classified as primary or secondary conditions. If the cause is unknown, it is referred to as primary glaucoma; if the cause is known, such as an eye injury, inflammation, advanced cataracts or diabetes, it is referred to as secondary glaucoma.

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Angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency because individuals can lose their sight in as little as one to two days without proper treatment.

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