Is open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma worse?

There is no universal rule. Around 75% of glaucoma is open-angle, with the rest being narrow-angle or angle-closure. Although less common, narrow-angle glaucoma can be more destructive and accounts for around 50% of blindness cases. Secondary angle-closure glaucoma has a worse prognosis, but progression in many cases of primary narrow-angle glaucoma can be prevented by surgically improving the anatomy of the angle.

This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Follow the advice of the team looking after you.

Dr. Nuno Lopes · Patient information
Editorial presentation updated on 27 October 2026. Your team's individual instructions take priority.