Diseases
Causes of Glaucoma in Middle-aged Women With no Diabetes
Glaucoma in a 58-year-old woman without diabetes is most commonly primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), but other types and risk factors must be considered. Below is a concise, evidence-based overview of likely causes and contributing factors.
Most Common Cause: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Mechanism: Gradual blockage of aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork → elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) → optic nerve damage.
- Why at age 58? Incidence rises sharply after age 40–50; ~2–3% of people >60 have POAG.
- Risk factors (independent of diabetes):
- Age (strongest non-genetic risk)
- Family history (3–6× risk if first-degree relative affected)
- Race: Higher prevalence and earlier onset in African ancestry; also elevated in Hispanic/Latino populations
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Thin central cornea (<555 µm on pachymetry)
- Elevated IOP (>21 mmHg, though normal-tension glaucoma occurs with IOP ≤21)
Other Possible Causes (Less Common but Critical to Rule Out)
|
Type
|
Key Features
|
Red Flags
|
|---|---|---|
|
Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
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Dandruff-like material on lens/pupil margin; common in Scandinavian descent
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Asymmetric IOP, rapid progression
|
|
Pigmentary glaucoma
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Pigment dispersion from iris; more common in young myopic males but can occur in females
|
Krukenberg spindle, transillumination defects
|
|
Steroid-induced glaucoma
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History of topical/intravitreal/inhaled steroids (e.g., for asthma, uveitis)
|
Recent IOP spike after steroid use
|
|
Angle-closure glaucoma
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Anatomically narrow angles; hyperopia common
|
Acute pain, halos, nausea (if acute); chronic form possible
|
|
Secondary glaucomas
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Trauma, uveitis, prior eye surgery, lens-induced
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History of eye injury/inflammation
|
Key Diagnostic Steps
- Gonioscopy → Confirm open vs. narrow/closed angles
- Pachymetry → Thin corneas increase risk
- OCT RNFL/Ganglion cell analysis → Detect early nerve damage
- Visual field testing → Characteristic defects (e.g., nasal step, arcuate scotoma)
- Family history screening
Summary for a 58-Year-Old Woman (No Diabetes)
- Most likely: Primary open-angle glaucoma due to age + genetic predisposition
- Rule out: Pseudoexfoliation (slit-lamp exam), steroid use, narrow angles
- Urgency: Even if asymptomatic, immediate ophthalmology referral if IOP >30 mmHg or optic nerve cupping noted
Note: Diabetes is a risk factor for neovascular and open-angle glaucoma, but its absence does not reduce overall risk—age and genetics dominate in this demographic.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG) in a 58-Year-Old Woman (No Diabetes)
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, preventing aqueous humor drainage → acute or chronic IOP spike → optic nerve damage. Though less common than POAG (~10–15% of glaucomas), it is more vision-threatening if acute.
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, preventing aqueous humor drainage → acute or chronic IOP spike → optic nerve damage. Though less common than POAG (~10–15% of glaucomas), it is more vision-threatening if acute.
Key Features in This Patient
|
Factor
|
Relevance
|
|---|---|
|
Age 58
|
Peak incidence: 50–70 years (especially women)
|
|
Female sex
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2–4× higher risk than men (shorter axial length, shallower anterior chamber)
|
|
No diabetes
|
Irrelevant (diabetes not a risk factor for ACG)
|
Types of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
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Type
|
Presentation
|
Risk in This Patient
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|---|---|---|
|
Acute ACG
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Sudden IOP >50 mmHg, pain, blurred vision, halos, nausea
|
Possible but less likely if asymptomatic
|
|
Subacute/Intermittent
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Episodic blurring, halos (resolves spontaneously)
|
Common precursor to acute attack
|
|
Chronic ACG
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Gradual synechial closure → progressive IOP rise
|
Most likely if no acute history
|
Anatomic Risk Factors (Critical in Women >50)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) → shorter eye, crowded anterior segment
- Thick/crystal lens (age-related lens swelling) → pushes iris forward
- Shallow anterior chamber depth (<2.5 mm on ultrasound biomicroscopy)
- Narrow angles on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 0–2)
- Plateau iris (less common, iris root angulation)
Triggers for Acute Attack
- Pupil dilation: Dim light, stress, antihistamines, anticholinergics (e.g., cold meds)
- Emotional upset
- Topical mydriatics (eye drops at optometry exam)
Clinical Diagnosis (Must Do)
|
Test
|
Finding in ACG
|
|---|---|
|
Gonioscopy
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Closed/narrow angles (≥270° appositional or synechial closure)
|
|
Slit-lamp
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Mid-dilated pupil, corneal edema, shallow AC
|
|
IOP
|
Acute: >40–80 mmHg; Chronic: 25–40 mmHg
|
|
Optic nerve
|
Cupping (may be asymmetric)
|
|
UBM/AS-OCT
|
Confirms lens-iris apposition, plateau iris
|
Red Flags (Urgent Referral Needed)
- Eye pain + headache + vomiting
- Vision loss with halos around lights
- IOP >30 mmHg + narrow angles
- Asymmetric cupping
Management Summary
|
Stage
|
Treatment
|
|---|---|
|
Acute attack
|
EMERGENCY: IV acetazolamide, mannitol, pilocarpine, beta-blocker drops → laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) within 24–48h
|
|
Prophylactic
|
LPI in fellow eye (50% risk of attack within 5 years)
|
|
Chronic ACG
|
LPI + topical meds (prostaglandin analog, beta-blocker); cataract surgery if lens-induced
|
Take-Home for 58-Year-Old Woman
- Angle-closure is plausible due to age + female sex + possible hyperopia/lens changes
- Gonioscopy is mandatory to confirm narrow/closed angles
- Even if asymptomatic, narrow angles → prophylactic LPI if closure >180–270°
- Rule out hyperopia (refraction) and measure anterior chamber depth
Bottom line: In a 58-year-old woman, chronic angle-closure is a real possibility even without acute symptoms.
Gonioscopy + LPI consideration is critical to prevent blindness.
Gonioscopy + LPI consideration is critical to prevent blindness.
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