Acute closed angle glaucoma is a condition characterized by an increased fluid pressure in an eye due to either improper drainage or over production. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acute closed angle glaucoma is a medical emergency. The symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma should be noticed as early as possible so proper treatment can be performed before permanent damage is done to the patient's eye.
Eye Pain
Pain in or near the eye is listed by Patient UK as one of the first symptoms of acute closed angle glaucoma. The pain is sudden and rapidly becomes severe. The pain may be localized to the eye, but normally spreads to the tissues surrounding the eye. The eye pain is often associated with a painful headache. Some individuals with closed angle glaucoma experience little or no pain, but these cases are rare.
Visual Disturbances
Various visual disturbances have been seen in patients suffering from acute closed angle glaucoma, reports Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Patients may complain of decreased vision or a blurry visual field. This diminished vision capability starts off mild but quickly worsens. Patients with angle-closure glaucoma may also complain of rainbow-like halos around sources of bright lights. These visual disturbances are caused by the damage being done to the optic nerve.
Nausea and Vomiting
Acute closed angle glaucoma can often present with symptoms of nausea and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients can report multiple episodes of vomiting and nausea. These symptoms may be due to vertigo caused by visual disturbances. The nausea and vomiting may be accompanied by fatigue and muscle pain. A medical professional should evaluate patients with eye pain, nausea, and vomiting promptly.
Red Eye
Patients with acute closed angle glaucoma can develop redness in the eye. This redness is usually in the affected eye. The redness indicates an irritation of the eye. The increased pressure in the eye associated with angle-closure glaucoma is what causes this irritation.
Swelling in the Eye
Patients suffering from acute closed angle glaucoma may complain of a feeling that their eye is swollen, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The eye itself will feel hard upon examination. The increased eye pressure associated with glaucoma causes this symptom.
