In closed-angle glaucoma, the onset of angle closure is best described as:

In closed-angle glaucoma, the onset of angle closure is best described as:

• A. The angle closes gradually over months.
• B. The angle opens and closes with eye movements.
• C. The angle closes suddenly and unexpectedly.
• D. The angle never affects vision.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that acute angle-closure glaucoma involves a sudden blockage of the drainage angle, leading to a rapid rise in intraocular pressure. This angle closure occurs abruptly when the peripheral iris apposes the trabecular meshwork, often triggered by pupil dilation or anatomically narrow angles. Because of that, the onset is best described as sudden and unexpected, producing an abrupt, painful, red eye with possible vision changes and systemic symptoms if not treated promptly. This contrasts with a slow, gradual narrowing seen in chronic cases, and it isn’t driven by eye movements or a notion that the angle never affects vision. The urgent nature of an acute attack explains why this description is the most accurate.

The key idea is that acute angle-closure glaucoma involves a sudden blockage of the drainage angle, leading to a rapid rise in intraocular pressure. This angle closure occurs abruptly when the peripheral iris apposes the trabecular meshwork, often triggered by pupil dilation or anatomically narrow angles. Because of that, the onset is best described as sudden and unexpected, producing an abrupt, painful, red eye with possible vision changes and systemic symptoms if not treated promptly. This contrasts with a slow, gradual narrowing seen in chronic cases, and it isn’t driven by eye movements or a notion that the angle never affects vision. The urgent nature of an acute attack explains why this description is the most accurate.