Acute angle closure glaucoma is known by several different name variations, including closed-angle and narrow angle glaucoma. The condition is a sudden blockage that does not allow the eye fluid to drain properly. While some forms of glaucoma are chronic and slow-progressing, this is not the case with acute angle closure glaucoma. Symptoms must be attended to immediately, according to the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF), to prevent a permanent loss of vision.
Eye Pain
Severe pain in the eye, redness around the eye and dilated pupils are all signs of acute angle closure glaucoma. The onset of eye pain is often very sudden and is the result of fluid buildup between the lens and the iris of the eye. Headaches may also accompany eye pain. The discomfort often lasts until the pressure in the eye is relieved, according to the medical professionals at All About Vision.
Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may be symptoms of acute narrow angle glaucoma, along with eye-related symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who experience gastrointestinal symptoms concurrently with eye pain should seek medical attention immediately from an ophalmologist or the nearest emergency facility, according to All About Vision.
Visual Disturbances
A variety of different visual disturbances may point to acute angle closure glaucoma. People often see circles (called halos) around light sources. The halos may appear to be brightly colored like a rainbow. Vision may be blurry, or even lost to some degree, especially a person's peripheral vision. Normal vision may be restored if the interocular pressure is reduced in a timely fashion.
