Predisposing factors for chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

Chronic angle-closure glaucoma is the commonest form of glaucoma in Sino Mongaloid populations. It is an anatomical disorder of the anterior segment of the eye characterised by permanent closure of part of the filtration angle as a result of iris apposition to the trabecular meshwork. Two pathways lead to this condition: recurrent pupillary block and "creeping" angle closure. East or Southeast Asian ethnic background is an important risk factor for the development of chronic angle-closure glaucoma. Other demographical risk factors include ageing, female gender and a familial tendency. Eyes with chronic angle-closure glaucoma have different anterior segment anatomical relationships when compared to normals. Those eyes at risk tend to be hypermetropic with a shallow anterior chamber, a relatively anteriorly positioned lens and a short axial length. The role of the ciliary body anatomy and ciliary processes in the pathogenesis of this condition requires further investigation.