Open-angle glaucoma differs from angle-closure glaucoma in that open-angle glaucoma typically features which characteristic?

Open-angle glaucoma differs from angle-closure glaucoma in that open-angle glaucoma typically features which characteristic?

• A. Angle closes suddenly.
• B. Central vision is affected first.
• C. Elevated intraocular pressure is not common.
• D. The angle remains open and peripheral vision loss is painless and gradual.

Answer: (D)

Open-angle glaucoma is defined by an open anterior chamber angle with gradual, painless peripheral vision loss due to impaired aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork. The angle remains open, so there isn’t a sudden, painful attack. Central vision stays intact until the later stages, while the outer (peripheral) field narrows first. This contrasts with angle-closure glaucoma, where the angle actually closes, producing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure with acute eye pain, redness, halos, and often rapid vision loss. Elevated intraocular pressure is commonly seen in open-angle glaucoma, not a rare finding, and the problem is the slow, insidious loss of peripheral vision, not sudden central vision changes.

Open-angle glaucoma is defined by an open anterior chamber angle with gradual, painless peripheral vision loss due to impaired aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork. The angle remains open, so there isn’t a sudden, painful attack. Central vision stays intact until the later stages, while the outer (peripheral) field narrows first. This contrasts with angle-closure glaucoma, where the angle actually closes, producing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure with acute eye pain, redness, halos, and often rapid vision loss. Elevated intraocular pressure is commonly seen in open-angle glaucoma, not a rare finding, and the problem is the slow, insidious loss of peripheral vision, not sudden central vision changes.