From the Guidelines
Symptoms of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
The symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure crisis (AACC), include blurred vision, halos around lights, mid-dilated pupil, vascular congestion, eye pain, headache, and nausea/vomiting.
- These symptoms are caused by a sudden obstruction of the anterior chamber angle, leading to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) 1.
- The clinical presentation of AACC may also include pressure-induced corneal edema and lens opacities (glaucomflecken) 1.
- It is essential to recognize these symptoms promptly, as untreated AACC can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness 1.
- The fellow eye is also at high risk of AACC, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment and follow-up care 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
The symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma include:
- Eye redness 2
- Worsening of vision and other visual disturbances 2
- Headache 2, 3
- Nausea 2
- Dull pain 4
- Pupillary dilation 4
- Transient monocular loss of vision 5
- Blurred vision 5
- Halo vision 5
Clinical Presentation
Acute angle closure glaucoma can present with a range of symptoms, including sudden onset of red eye, pupillary dilation, dull pain, and headache 4. It is essential to exclude other possible confounding disorders that present similarly, especially those originating in the CNS 4.
Importance of Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma are crucial to prevent permanent vision damage 2, 4, 3. Immediate treatment must be initiated whenever there is high clinical suspicion of acute angle closure, with the administration of systemic ocular hypotensive therapy to prevent damage to the optic nerve and limit visual loss 4. An urgent referral to the ophthalmologist is mandatory to dictate definitive management 4.