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iridocorneal angle

The iridocorneal angle, also known as the cameral or chamber sinus, is the angle formed by the cornea, sclera and iris.

This angle is very important, because there are the ocular structures that allow the exit of 90% of the aqueous humor

Abnormal characteristics of the iridocorneal angle are considered a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain, then, what is the iridocorneal angle and how it is measured.

What is the iridocorneal angle?

The cameral sinus is the angle formed by the sclera, iris, and sclera in the anterior chamber of the eye.

The structures that make up the iridocorneal angle are: 

The iridocorneal angle is very important, since the structures that compose it are responsible for the exit of 90% of the aqueous humor of the eye through the trabecular pathway. 

The characteristics of the chamber sinus can be congenital or acquired, and can alter the balance of the amount of fluid present in the ocular structure.

Therefore, abnormalities in the iridocorneal angle can cause ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

The evaluation of the angle is essential to prevent an angular blockage in time.  

As measured?

The measurement of the cameral sinus is carried out through a gonioscopy.

To measure the chamber angle, anesthetic drops are applied to the patient's eye. The ophthalmologist will then place a special lens with a mirror on it over the anesthetized eye. 

Through this lens, known as the Goldmann lens, the specialist will be able to analyze the iridocorneal angle to detect if it closes and is blocked or amprolls and opens. 

El OCT or optical coherence tomography It is also used to study and measure the iridocorneal angle.

To perform this test, the patient must rest their chin on the chin rest of a tomograph while the equipment radiates a beam of light. 

What are the normal values?

Gonioscopy is a diagnostic instrument that allows the doctor to know if an angle is wide and open or narrow and closed.

El narrow angle may indicate glaucoma and open angle indicates chronic glaucoma

If we use a OCT To measure the iridocorneal angle, the cameral sinus is considered to be closed if the angle is less than 20º.

A value greater than 20º would indicate an open angle. 

What instrument is used to measure the iridocorneal angle?

The instrument that measures the macular sinus depends on the technique used.

Gonioscopy is performed with a slit lamp and the OCT with a tomograph. 

  • La slit lamp It is a binocular microscope that has a powerful light that allows us to appreciate three-dimensional images with a power of ampLification of up to 40 increases.
  • El tomograph The eyepiece works in the same way as body scanners used to perform CT scans. The difference is that eye scanners are smaller so that they can be adapted to the eye structure.

Get in touch with us at Área Oftalmológica Avanzada to continue investigating the iridocorneal angle and the problems that derive from an abnormality with respect to its normal values.

Summary
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Article name
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Description
Abnormalities produced in the iridocorneal angle can cause glaucoma or ocular hypertension. We tell you what it is and how it is measured.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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Synonyms:
cameral sinus, chamber angle, iridocorneoescleral angle
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