Outcomes following acute primary angle closure in an Asian population

Background:  Data regarding development of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) following acute primary angle closure (APAC) is conflicting. This study looks at outcomes after an APAC episode with a secondary aim to identify any risk factors that could predict progression to PACG.
Methods:  This is a retrospective review of the charts of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with APAC from December 2003 to June 2006. All were treated in a standard manner with initial intensive medical therapy or laser iridoplasty followed by early laser peripheral iridotomy within 24 h of presentation.
Results:  Forty-two eyes of 41 patients were analysed. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 ± 16.2 months. Nine eyes (21.4%) developed an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) within a mean of 11.9 months (median 5 months) after resolution of APAC. Eight eyes went on to have trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage device. At final follow up, the mean IOP of attack eye was 13.3 ± 2.92 mmHg. None of the eyes, including those that underwent surgery, required topical medication to control IOP. Thirty-eight eyes (90.5%) have BCVA of 6/6 to 6/12. The duration of symptoms before presentation ( P  = 0.00) and duration taken to abort the acute attack ( P  = 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with development of PACG.
Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that outcomes following successful treatment of APAC may not be as poor as described previously. Early aggressive management of the acute episode may have a role to play in preventing development of PACG after APAC.