ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the angle-closure glaucomas with an emphasis on their anatomic basis. The angle-closure glaucomas are a diverse group of disorders characterized by apposition of the iris to the trabecular meshwork. Angle closure can be caused by one or a combination of the following: abnormalities in the relative sizes or positions of anterior segment structures; abnormalities in the absolute sizes or positions of anterior segment structures; and abnormal forces in the posterior segment, which alter the anatomy of the anterior segment. Indentation gonioscopy is critical to accurate diagnosis of the angle-closure glaucomas. During indentation, the central corneal curvature is altered, forcing aqueous posteriorly. Acute angleclosure glaucoma is often characterized by ocular injection, blurred vision, and pain. Angle-closure glaucoma may be caused by an anteriorly subluxed, dislocated, intumescent lens. In this schematic, the physical presence of an anteriorly positioned, enlarged lens is causing shallowing of the anterior chamber and angle closure.
