What is acute angle-closure glaucoma?

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, also simply called acute glaucoma, is a disease in which there are sudden increases in the pressure in the eye – intraocular pressure – usually on one side only, with severe pain and loss of vision. Repeated attacks may occur and may progressively reduce the visual field.

There is also a chronic form of this disease, called chronic angle-closure glaucoma, in which the intraocular pressure remains or is raised repeatedly, but with less severe symptoms. In this case the obstruction to drainage of the liquid in the eye (aqueous humor) is gradual.

- Acute glaucoma is a disease in which there is a sudden increase in the pressure in the eye
- This usually occurs in one eye and is associated with sudden loss of vision.
- Acute glaucoma happens when the liquid in the eye is unable to drain correctly.
- It is more common in an older person who is long-sighted and is unusual under the age of 45.
- Symptoms include severe pain in the eye, decreased vision and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
- Initial treatment is aimed at lowering the pressure inside the eye.
- The final treatment is by laser or surgery to prevent the problem from recurring.