The spelling of the term "angle closure" is derived from the phonetic transcription of the sounds in the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word reveals that the "a" is pronounced as "æ", the "ng" is pronounced as "ŋ", the "l" is pronounced with a slight "w" sound as "lʷ", and the "e" is pronounced as "i". The word "closure" is spelled traditionally, and the pronunciation remains conventional. Angle closure is a condition which causes the eye's drainage system to become blocked, leading to increased eye pressure, and potential vision damage.
Angle closure is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, resulting in increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The drainage angle refers to the space between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the cornea (the transparent front portion of the eye).
When angle closure occurs, the iris may move forward and obstruct the drainage angle, preventing the normal flow of aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes the eye. This can lead to a buildup of pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve if left untreated.
The symptoms of angle closure may include severe eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, redness of the eye, and nausea or vomiting. Angle closure can be classified as either acute or chronic, depending on the speed at which the obstruction occurs.
Acute angle closure is considered an emergency as it can rapidly cause vision loss and requires immediate medical intervention. Chronic angle closure, on the other hand, develops over a longer period of time and may have milder symptoms.
Treatment for angle closure often involves the use of medication to lower intraocular pressure and relieve symptoms. In some cases, a procedure called a laser iridotomy may be performed to create a small hole in the iris, allowing for improved fluid drainage and preventing further blockages. Surgical options may be considered for more severe or chronic cases of angle closure. Regular eye examinations are important for early detection and management of this condition.
The word "angle closure" is comprised of two main components: "angle" and "closure".
1. "Angle" - In this context, "angle" refers to the anatomical structure within the eye known as the anterior chamber angle. The anterior chamber angle is formed by the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the cornea (the transparent outer layer of the eye).
2. "Closure" - "Closure" refers to the act of closing something or the state of being closed. In the case of angle closure, it signifies the narrowing or complete closure of the anterior chamber angle.
Therefore, the term "angle closure" is used to describe the condition where the anterior chamber angle becomes obstructed or blocked, leading to a buildup of fluid and increased pressure within the eye.