Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rare but serious type of glaucoma. This condition occurs when drainage canals in the eye become blocked. If a person does not get treatment, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause serious side effects such as vision loss.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases. People with glaucoma experience damage to their optic nerve. This
Acute angle-closure glaucoma involves blockage to drainage canals in the eye. This blockage alters pressure within the eye. It can cause headaches, nausea, eye pain, and blurry vision. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the eye.
This article will define acute angle-closure glaucoma. It will also explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the condition.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma. Researchers estimate that it affects up to
Although this condition is rare, it is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, a person with acute angle-closure glaucoma may experience permanent vision loss.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when there is disruption to the flow of aqueous humor. Aqueous humor is a clear liquid present in the front area of the eye. This liquid helps maintain the shape and function of the eye.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, there is a blockage to aqueous humor flow between two eye chambers. These chambers are the anterior and posterior chambers. The front part of the eye contains the anterior chamber, while the posterior chamber takes up space between the iris and lens.
Obstruction of the aqueous humor flow changes the pressure between these two chambers. This alters the shape of the iris.
Bowing of the iris narrows the space inside the anterior chamber. This reduces the angle within this chamber. The term “acute angle-closure glaucoma” refers to the narrowing of this angle.
In some cases, the condition can cause vision changes or even blindness. Receiving prompt treatment for this form of glaucoma
The symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma
- blurred vision
- severe pain in one eye
- headache
- vomiting
- nausea
- seeing rainbow-colored rings around bright lights
People experiencing these symptoms should see a medical professional as soon as possible. Immediate treatment is crucial for preventing serious complications of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Certain people are at a higher risk of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma. People with smaller eyes have a higher chance of developing this condition. This is because they have smaller drainage canals, which can increase the chance of a blockage.
Other risk factors for acute angle-closure glaucoma include:
- being assigned female at birth
- far-sightedness
- older age
- family history of acute angle closure glaucoma
Certain types of medication can also trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma. One recent study investigated which medications were most often associated with this condition.
It found people taking sumatriptan, duloxetine, and topiramate had the highest chance of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Anyone at risk of this condition should speak with a doctor before beginning a new medication. Only a healthcare professional can provide guidance on medication safety and disease risk.
Treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma involves reducing added pressure within the eye. It also involves treating symptoms such as pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
A doctor
Following these medications, laser treatment can also help treat acute angle-closure glaucoma. This treatment uses a laser beam to restore the flow of aqueous humor.
Anyone with acute angle-closure glaucoma should speak with a healthcare professional to learn more. The condition requires immediate treatment to prevent long-term vision damage.
The following are some questions people frequently ask about acute angle-closure glaucoma.
How serious is acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is extremely serious. People with this condition require emergency medical attention. If a person does not get treatment, acute angle-closure glaucoma
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of this condition should visit an emergency medical center. With an early diagnosis and prompt care, it is possible to recover from this condition.
What is the most common cause of acute angle-closure glaucoma?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when drainage between different parts of the eye has a blockage. This leads to an increase in pressure within the eye.
Certain people have a
How quickly can acute angle-closure glaucoma cause blindness?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to vision loss within 1 day after symptoms begin. These symptoms may include nausea, eye pain, and blurred vision.
Anyone experiencing a sudden onset of these symptoms should visit a healthcare professional immediately. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose and treat acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an eye disease that occurs when drainage canals in the eyes have an obstruction. This blockage increases pressure within the eye and can lead to serious complications.
Without prompt treatment, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.
The symptoms of this eye disease typically appear suddenly. They may include eye pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
A person experiencing symptoms of this condition should see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term health consequences.