What is acute angle closure glaucoma?
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a true eye emergency. The iris bows forward and seals the eye’s drainage angle, and pressure spikes within hours — causing severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, a red eye, and often nausea or vomiting. Untreated, it can permanently damage the optic nerve within a day. If you have these symptoms, call us immediately at (717) 637-1919 — or go straight to the nearest emergency room after hours. Treatment with pressure-lowering medicines and a laser iridotomy is very effective when started quickly.
§Read video transcript
In cases of acute angle closure glaucoma, the iris may bow forward so much that it cuts off your eye's angle completely. Unlike narrow angle glaucoma, where some fluid can still drain from the eye, acute angle closure glaucoma does not let any fluid drain. It develops quickly, and its symptoms can include severe pain, red eye and nausea. acute angle closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If the high pressure is not reduced within hours, it can permanently damage your vision. If you experience any of its symptoms, you should immediately contact your eye doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
Medical sources
- aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
- americanglaucomasociety.net/patient-family-resources/glaucoma-basics-faqs
This page and video are for general patient education and are not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Eye conditions vary by individual. For advice about your eyes, schedule an evaluation with May Eye Care Center. In an emergency, call 911.
Schedule your eye exam at May Eye Care Center in Hanover, PA
Serving York, Gettysburg, Adams County, and northern Maryland. Call (717) 637-1919 or explore more about glaucoma at our practice.
Call (717) 637-1919