predisposing factors for primary closed angle glaucoma

Last reviewed 01/2018

The following have been implicated as risk factors for the development of the disease:

  • sex - female: male ratio 4:1
  • race - more in Asians
  • short axial length - hypermetropia
  • shallow anterior chamber - in females>males
  • increasing age - anterior chamber becomes shallower as the lens grows
  • small corneal diameter (1)

In predisposed individuals the following systemic drugs may induce angle closure:

  • nebulised bronchodilators - ipratropium bromide and/or salbutamol
  • selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors
  • tricyclic antidepressants
  • muscle relaxants (2)

Reference: