Angle recession

What's going on?

A blunt injury to the eye has caused a pressure wave to rip open the drainage angle of the eye. The rip heals, leaving scarring that impedes aqueous outflow. If the extent of the recession is great, the patient may develop glaucoma months or years later.

If I examine the patient what will I find?

You may see signs of the previous injury, but equally you may see no obvious abnormality.

What will the hospital do?

If the recession involves most of the angle, then the patient may be followed up at regular intervals to detect the onset of glaucoma. If the injury is minimal, the patient is usually discharged but advised to see their optician for regular pressure checks.

What do I need to do?

If the patient is not followed up at hospital, they should be examined regularly by an optician for the onset of glaucoma.

What to tell the patient

They have sustained damage that increases their risk of developing glaucoma.