Final answer:
Closed-angle glaucoma has a higher incidence in individuals of Asian descent. Routine testing for intraocular pressure is key for early detection, and treatments like acetazolamide can mitigate the fluid buildup in the eye by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is a higher incidence of closed-angle glaucoma in individuals of Asian descent. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect vision, often due to an increase in intraocular pressure. This pressure can lead to optic nerve damage, which can result in vision loss if not managed. Closed-angle glaucoma, in particular, is prevalent among Asian populations due to anatomical differences in the structure of their eyes compared to other ethnicities. Routine intraocular pressure testing, especially in people over 40 years of age, is pivotal for early detection and effective management of glaucoma. In cases where glaucoma develops, treatments such as acetazolamide can be used to inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, reducing fluid accumulation and pressure within the eye.