Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by which finding?

Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by which finding?

• A. There is no drainage
• B. There is still some drainage
• C. Drainage is completely blocked
• D. Angle closure occurs

Answer: (B)

Open-angle glaucoma happens when the drainage angle is open, but outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork is impaired, so pressure builds up even though drainage still occurs. That’s why there is still some drainage—the pathway isn’t completely blocked, just not sufficient to keep intraocular pressure normal. The other scenarios describe complete blockage or a closed angle (angle-closure glaucoma), which aren’t characteristic of the open-angle form.

Open-angle glaucoma happens when the drainage angle is open, but outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork is impaired, so pressure builds up even though drainage still occurs. That’s why there is still some drainage—the pathway isn’t completely blocked, just not sufficient to keep intraocular pressure normal. The other scenarios describe complete blockage or a closed angle (angle-closure glaucoma), which aren’t characteristic of the open-angle form.