What is narrow angles? space between the iris & cornea

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This is an image of a normal ocular angle.  The angle is important because it is the major pathway which fluid in the eye drains.  The fluid front the front part of the eye drains into the angle and then through the trabecular meshwork which acts like a filter.  This fluid then escapes out of veins near the white of the eye.  

In eyes which are smaller in diameter or cataract progression the angle can become more narrow and impede fluid flow.  This can be symptomatic or have no symptoms.  The major problem with narrow angles is that it can lead to a sudden closure of the angle.  A medication or high emotional situation can turn a narrow angle to the closed angle.  

A closed angle is an ocular emergency.  The pressure in the eye can raise very high which can cut off circulation to the eye  leading to permanent vision loss, vomiting, and severe eye pain.  The fluid in the eye can not escape and continues to buildup.  If you feel that you might have symptoms of this call 911 or see an ophthalmologist near you immediately. 

For narrow angles which is critically narrow, a small hole in the iris can be created with a laser to allow fluid in the eye to circulate which will decrease the risk of angle closure attack occurring.  Your eye doctor can review the risk and benefits of this procedure.  

At the Inland Glaucoma Center we offer advanced ocular imaging with OCT which is like a high resolution 3D image or MRI of the angle to give precise risk for developing angle closure. Gonioscopy with a mirrored lens is also used which is still a gold standard in angle assessment. 

Symptoms: usually none but can include  transient blurred vision, halos around lights, mild eye pain, headache, and occasionally nausea. Risk factors include older age, female, Asian or Inuit ancestry, farsightedness (hyperopia which have smaller eyes), and a family history. 

At Inland Glaucoma Center we have a UCLA Fellowship-trained Glaucoma Specialist who is Harvard educated and board certified in Ophthalmology.  This is a MD (Medical Doctor) who is dedicated to the eye.  See our blog on angle closure.