ReGAE 10: long-term visual acuity outcomes after acute primary angle closure

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Acute primary angle closure (APAC) is a serious ophthalmic emergency.
• Understanding long-term visual outcomes is crucial for patient management and public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the long-term visual acuity (VA) outcomes in eyes following an attack of acute primary angle closure (APAC).
• To identify the causes of severe visual impairment (SVI) in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational case series of 134 eyes from 123 patients presenting with APAC.
• VA was recorded at presentation, 6 months, and final follow-up (mean 31.4 months).
• Causes of SVI (VA<6/60) and sociodemographic/surgical factors were documented.

Main Results:

• 16% of eyes experienced SVI at final follow-up.
• Glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) was the primary cause of SVI in 33% of affected eyes.
• Other causes included age-related macular degeneration, cataract, corneal decompensation, and central retinal vein occlusion.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of eyes (12%) develop SVI after APAC.
• GON is a major contributor to SVI, emphasizing the importance of early and effective glaucoma management post-APAC.
• Further research into preventative strategies and treatment optimization for APAC is warranted.