Lauren Blieden, MD, is a professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Lauren Blieden, MD

Long-Term Considerations in Angle Closure Glaucoma with Lauren Blieden, MD

 research evolves, long-term patient outcomes remain a key focus, particularly in angle closure cases. With critical gaps in long-term data, clinicians are refining management strategies while awaiting further research to guide best practices.

, Lauren Blieden, MD, a professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, highlighted critical updates in patient management, the role of patient education, and the importance of advocacy in ophthalmology. Blieden presented a talk entitled "Glaucoma/Narrow Angles” at the 

Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA) Annual Meeting

Long-term follow-up data from the EAGLE trial remains a key area of interest in glaucoma research, particularly regarding the progression of angle closure as patients age. With nearly a decade since its publication, ophthalmologists are eager for updates to guide long-term management strategies. Blieden shared insights from her clinical experience, noting that while stable patients can often be monitored less frequently, uncertainties remain about disease progression in older age groups.

Blieden emphasized the importance of patient education, especially in diverse populations with a higher prevalence of angle closure. Early symptom recognition—such as sudden headaches or vision changes—can prevent delays in care. She also highlighted the need for patient awareness regarding medication-related risks and the importance of seeking specialized ophthalmic care rather than general emergency services in acute cases.

Blieden noted the Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA), recently renamed the Texas Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, continues to serve as a vital platform for both clinical education and ophthalmic advocacy. Smaller meetings facilitate in-depth discussions on emerging research, case studies, and legislative issues, including scope-of-practice regulations and liability concerns.

Blieden LS. Glaucoma/Narrow Angles. Presented at Texas Ophthalmological Association (TOA) Annual Meeting. Houston, Texas. March 21-22, 2025

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Blieden discusses long-term patient management in glaucoma, the importance of follow-up care, and the role of advocacy in ophthalmology.

Advancements in Narrow-Angle Glaucoma with Lauren Blieden, MD

Advancements in early detection and treatment for 

 are reshaping clinical approaches. In particular, breakthroughs in early lens extraction and automated imaging technologies are improving patient outcomes, with recent clinical trials offering new insights that challenge traditional approaches to risk and treatment.

, Lauren Blieden, MD, a professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, examined recent advancements in early detection, risk stratification, and treatment strategies of narrow-angle glaucoma. Blieden presented a talk entitled "Glaucoma/Narrow Angles” at the 

Blieden highlighted the growing evidence supporting early lens extraction as a potentially effective treatment for narrowing angles, noting that patients who underwent this procedure experienced fewer medications and interventions. Although diagnostic tools like gonioscopy remain in use, the expert emphasized the promising potential of automated anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, which can detect narrow angles much earlier, offering a more reliable screening method.

She also discussed recent clinical trial findings, including the Zhongshan Angle-Closure Prevention (ZAP) trial and the EAGLE trial. The ZAP trial, which studied patients with occludable angles, showed surprisingly low rates of acute angle closure despite the high-risk perceptions of these patients. The trial extended its duration due to the low occurrence of events, suggesting that patients with occludable angles progress slowly and may not require immediate intervention. The EAGLE trial compared laser peripheral iridotomy and clear lens extraction for patients with narrow angles over 36 months, with a trend favoring lens extraction in not only reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) but also lowering the need for subsequent glaucoma surgeries.

Blieden emphasized that while the immediate risk of acute angle closure is lower than previously thought, prompt treatment is still important. Early lens extraction appears to be a promising option for these patients, with long-term benefits in IOP management and reduced need for additional glaucoma interventions. Blieden noted this evolving approach could how clinicians manage narrow-angle glaucoma, suggesting that early surgical intervention can prevent long-term complications.

Blieden describes recent advancements in the detection and treatment of narrow-angle glaucoma at TOA 2025.

Lauren Blieden, MD

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