Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when drainage inside the eye suddenly blocks, raising pressure sharply. Symptoms are dramatic and painful.
How an attack feels
People usually experience severe eye pain and headache on one side. Vision deteriorates rapidly.
- Intense pain in and around the eye
- Blurred vision with rainbow haloes around lights
- Nausea, vomiting, and general malaise
- Red eye with a hard, tender eyeball
Immediate steps
This condition is a true emergency. Delayed treatment can permanently damage the optic nerve within hours.
- Call emergency services or attend hospital immediately
- Do not wait to see if symptoms settle
- Family members may be advised to have their angles checked
- Laser peripheral iridotomy is often performed to prevent further attacks
