Acute glaucoma, which is also referred to as closed-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, is an eye condition resulting from inflammation or damage to the optic nerve. The symptoms of acute glaucoma develop rapidly and can result in blindness within one to two days of onset, explain health experts with the American Health Assistance Foundation. As a result, patients who exhibit acute glaucoma symptoms require prompt medical attention to ensure immediate receipt of appropriate treatment and care.
Eye Pain or Irritation
Patients with acute glaucoma can experience sudden, severe eye pain within one or both eyes as a symptom of this condition, explain medical professionals with the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The affected eye can also appear unusually red or irritated, which can interfere with a patient's ability to see clearly. The severity of these symptoms can progress rapidly and should be addressed by a medical professional immediately.
Blurred or Disturbed Vision
Damage to the optic nerve can affect a patient's ability to see normally with the affected eye. As a result, patients with acute glaucoma can experience sudden visual disturbances, such as hazy or blurred vision, explain medical professionals with the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Exposure to bright lights can cause patients with acute glaucoma to see multicolored circles within their field of vision. These acute glaucoma symptoms can disrupt a patient's ability to drive or move about normally without assistance. Patients who experience these sudden or abrupt vision changes should consult a doctor immediately.
Headache or Weakness
Severe eye pain can contribute to the emergence of painful headache symptoms in affected patients, warn health professionals at Wilmer Eye Institute. Headache symptoms may arise within any region of the head, but typically localize within the forehead, directly above the eyes. Patients who develop headache symptoms can also feel weak or fatigued and may be unable to remain focused or alert during daily activities. Sudden, severe headache symptoms can be signs of alternate medical problems, such as stroke, and affected patients should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
Nausea or Vomiting
Painful eye symptoms of acute glaucoma can induce stomach upset in certain patients. The painful sensations within the eyes or head may be so severe that patients become nauseous or begin to vomit, warn health professionals at the Glaucoma Research Foundation. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and are typically associated with decreased appetite.
Sudden Blindness
As noted previously, patients with acute glaucoma can experience complete loss of sight within one to two days following the onset of symptoms. Without prompt treatment, this rapid deterioration of sight can be permanent. Patients who develop vision problems for any reason should contact a medical professional immediately to prevent these permanent vision complications.
