Drug-induced Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma: A Review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Glaucoma Studies

Background:

• Drug-induced acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is an ophthalmological emergency with potentially blinding consequences.
• Risk factors include anatomical predispositions (e.g., shallow anterior chamber) and demographic factors (e.g., female sex, Asian ethnicity).
• Various medications can trigger AACG in susceptible individuals, necessitating physician awareness of adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on drug-induced AACG.
• To provide ophthalmologists and general practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of inciting medications.
• To highlight treatment pitfalls to avoid.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of drug-induced acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Analysis of underlying mechanisms and predisposing factors.
• Synthesis of current treatment and prevention strategies.

Main Results:

• Two primary mechanisms of drug-induced AACG exist: pupillary block with iris thickening and anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm.
• Each mechanism requires distinct treatment approaches.
• Identifying inciting medications and understanding their effects are critical.

Conclusions:

• Physicians must be familiar with drug-induced AACG, its risk factors, and inciting agents.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis based on the underlying mechanism is essential for effective treatment.
• Proper understanding allows for timely intervention to preserve patient vision.