title: A review of drug-induced acute angle closure glaucoma for non-ophthalmologists.
abstract: Acute angle closure glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Several types of drugs have the potential to precipitate acute angle closure glaucoma. These include adrenergic, cholinergic and anticholinergic, antidepressants, anticoagulants and sulfa-based agents. This article provides a basic overview of the risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in angle closure glaucoma and focuses on drug-induced angle closure glaucoma for the non-ophthalmologist. A PubMed search limited to the English language was conducted to find relevant literature for the purpose of this article. Most attacks occur in subjects unaware that they are at risk due to innately narrow iridocorneal angles. Clinicians should always review medications in patients presenting with symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma. The aim of this article is to bring this ophthalmic condition to the attention of clinicians, particularly those outside the field of ophthalmology who commonly prescribe these medications or see these patients prior to referring to ophthalmologists.
authors.affiliation: Monklands Hospital, Monkscourt Ave, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Elliott Yann
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Ah-Kee
authors.affiliation: Monklands Hospital, Monkscourt Ave, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Egong
authors.affiliation: Monklands Hospital, Monkscourt Ave, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ahad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shafi
authors.affiliation: Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lik Thai
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ayr, Ayr, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: James Li
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Yim
keywords: angle closure; drug-induced; glaucoma; iatrogenic