The Type of Glaucoma Asian Families Should Know About

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight.” But there’s one type of glaucoma that Asian families may have particular reason to know about.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is significantly more common in Asian populations than in many other groups, especially among East Asian adults.

A large systematic review estimated that more than 70% of people with primary angle-closure glaucoma worldwide live in Asia. Researchers also found that the condition becomes increasingly common with age and is more prevalent among women. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

So what exactly is angle-closure glaucoma?

The eye constantly produces fluid that normally drains through a small area between the iris, the colored part of the eye, and the cornea. In some people, this drainage angle is naturally narrower.

If the angle becomes blocked, fluid cannot drain properly and pressure inside the eye can rise, potentially damaging the optic nerve and causing permanent vision loss.

Certain anatomical features that make the drainage angle narrower are more common in some Asian populations, which may help explain the higher rates of angle-closure disease. But risk varies substantially across Asia and between ethnic groups, so “Asian” should not be treated as a single uniform risk category. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Angle closure can also look very different from what many people imagine when they hear “glaucoma.”

Some people develop the condition gradually and may have few or no noticeable symptoms as their vision is damaged.

But if the drainage angle suddenly closes completely, pressure inside the eye can rise rapidly, causing an acute angle-closure attack.

Symptoms can include severe eye pain, blurred vision, redness, headache, seeing halos around lights, nausea, and vomiting. Acute angle closure is an eye emergency and requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. (aao.org)

The good news is that an eye doctor can identify whether someone has narrow drainage angles before an emergency ever happens.

During a comprehensive eye examination, ophthalmologists can examine the drainage angle using a technique called gonioscopy, which uses a specialized lens to see an area of the eye that otherwise isn’t directly visible.

Not everyone with narrow angles will develop glaucoma, and finding a narrow angle does not automatically mean someone needs treatment. Depending on a person’s eye anatomy and other risk factors, an ophthalmologist may recommend monitoring or preventive treatment.

Older age, family history, farsightedness, and female sex can also increase the likelihood of angle closure. (aao.org)

And because glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible, catching disease early matters.

If glaucoma runs in your family, or you have parents or grandparents who haven’t had their eyes checked in a while, it may be worth encouraging a comprehensive eye exam.

For Asian families in particular, knowing that not all glaucoma is the same could help protect vision before symptoms ever appear.