In glaucoma, the drainage passages in the eyes become blocked, increasing pressure within the eye and causing symptoms such as restricted and blurred vision. With glaucoma, this process takes place over a span of many years. In closed-angle glaucoma, eye drainage passages become blocked quickly, as in a matter of minutes or hours, and the blockage causes a sudden increase in eye pressure, which can lead to severe symptoms, even blindness.
Pain Symptoms
Closed-angle glaucoma is much rarer than open angle glaucoma, and it produces painful symptoms. Because the pressure in the eye rises quickly, the pain is sudden. Pain symptoms include severe, sudden headaches as well as pain that quickly shoots through the eye. The Foundation of the American Academy of Opthamology reports that the pain symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma are often accompanied by a change in vision.
Vision Symptoms
Vision changes that occur suddenly are also a sign of closed-angle glaucoma and usually occur in conjunction with the painful symptoms mentioned above. When you look at a light, or another lit-up object, you may see a rainbow-type halo around it. You may also have a sudden onset of blurry vision. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library reports that there can even be a complete loss of vision with closed-angle glaucoma. Vision loss can occur within hours of experiencing the first symptoms, which is why emergency treatment for closed-angle glaucoma is imperative.
Other Symptoms
According to the Southland Eye Clinic in Michigan, the sudden rise in eye pressure in closed-angle glaucoma can also cause symptoms of nausea, which is often accompanied by vomiting. There may also changes to the physical appearance of the eye, such as redness and a cloudiness over the lens.
Any symptoms that occur that you think could be related to closed-angle glaucoma must be treated immediately. These symptoms can occur with other medical conditions, which is why they may sometimes be overlooked. Unfortunately, a lack of or even a minor delay in treatment can cost you your eyesight.
