Prognosis

The prognosis following an episode of acute angle-closure glaucoma is favourable if the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) can be controlled. IOP is reported to be controlled with laser peripheral iridotomy alone in 42% to 72%, and in white people more often than in Asians.[54][56]

For patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma, with control of the IOP, progressive visual deterioration can be controlled. The efficacy of peripheral iridotomy for disease control depends on both the underlying mechanism and the stage of the disease when diagnosed.[68]

Greater extent of PAS, a higher presenting IOP, and a larger cup-to-disc ratio are all predictors of poor pressure control following iridotomy.[69]

Once glaucomatous optic neuropathy has developed (defined as structural damage to the disc and/or visual field loss), virtually all cases (94% to 100%) will require further treatment to control IOP.[70]

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