Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that must be understood and treated immediately.
The sudden narrowing or closing of the drainage angle in the eye, which results in an abrupt increase in Intraocular Pressure, causes this disorder that endangers vision.
As a result, if left untreated, it may result in intense eye pain, hazy vision, and even irreversible vision loss.
Learn about Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG) and why it’s crucial to detect and treat it early to protect your vision.
What Is Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
The eye condition known as Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is sudden and severe.
It is characterized by a sharp rise in Intraocular Pressure (IOP).
This happens when the eye’s drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, impairing fluid drainage.
AACG can be painful and has to be treated by a doctor very often.
It frequently shows symptoms, including intense eye discomfort, hazy vision, headaches, and nausea.
AACG can cause irreparable visual loss if not treated quickly.
AACG and Narrow-Angle Glaucoma exhibit a dramatic rise in IOP brought on by obstruction of the drainage angle of the eye.
In both cases, if the high pressure is left untreated, it can cause severe eye pain, clouded vision, and even potentially irreversible vision loss.
It is essential to comprehend its abrupt onset, causes, symptoms, and available treatments to protect both eye health and eyesight.
Acute Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
Sudden and severe symptoms of AACG include significant eye discomfort, impaired vision, headaches, nausea, and a red-eye look.
The eyesight may rapidly worsen, and the pupils may expand and stop responding to light. Some typical signs include:
Severe Eye Pain: Patients experiencing AACG frequently complain about sharp, severe discomfort in the affected eye.
Blurred Vision: Patients who experience impaired or clouded vision may notice halo effects around lights.
Headache: Experiencing a headache along with vomiting and nausea.
Redness: The congested blood vessels may cause the affected eye to appear red.
Decreased Vision: It’s possible to experience rapid vision loss, resulting in decreased vision.
Pupil Enlargement: The pupil can enlarge and stop reacting to light.
It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms as early as possible in order to seek medical assistance and prevent the loss of eyesight.
If you want to know more about redness caused by Glaucoma, read Glaucoma Red Eye: What Does it Mean?
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Treatment
Aiming to reduce Intraocular Pressure as soon as possible is essential in treating AACG.
Treatment for AACG may involve medication, laser surgery, or traditional surgery.
When AACG is suspected, prompt medical care is required.
Options for treatment include:
Medications: Medication to reduce IOP is used intravenously and topically.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): A laser operation to restore appropriate fluid drainage by making a tiny hole in the edge of the iris.
Surgery: To fix the anatomical problems causing angle closure, surgery may occasionally be required.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for symptom relief and avoiding irreversible visual loss.
To learn more about eye drops for Glaucoma, read Everything You Need to Know About Glaucoma Eye Drops.
Intraocular Pressure: The pressure of the fluid within the eye is known as Intraocular Pressure. Intravenously: The process of injecting something into or through a vein is known as intravenously. Anatomical: The scientific study and representation of the physical body’s structure and composition is known as anatomical. |
Causes Of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
AACG is often caused by anatomical tendency and other factors.
People’s eyes are more vulnerable to strain when focusing on objects at a small angle.
Its development may also be influenced by factors like age, family history of Glaucoma, specific drugs, and eye surgeries that enlarge the pupils.
AACG can develop for several reasons, such as:
Anatomical predisposition: People who have a restricted drainage angle are more vulnerable.
Age: The occurrence of AACG is higher in older people.
Family history: Glaucoma in the family may make someone more vulnerable.
Certain medications: Certain medications, particularly Anticholinergic ones, may trigger an abrupt Asthma attack.
Pupil dilation: Eye exams and other procedures that enlarge the pupils can trigger an episode in those prone to it.
An understanding of these factors is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
To understand if Glaucoma is hereditary, read Is Glaucoma Hereditary? A Comprehensive Medical Analysis.
Conclusion
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that must be identified and treated immediately.
For those at risk, it is crucial to understand the abrupt development of significant eye pain, blurred vision, and other related symptoms.
Early medical help can mean the difference between keeping your sight and losing it permanently.
Treatment options like medication, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, and surgery can restore normal Intraocular Pressure and prevent
optic nerve damage.
The importance of eye health and routine checkups is highlighted because AACG can be prevented by early detection and prompt treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma?
Common symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, vomiting, redness in the eye, and an enlarged, unresponsive pupil.
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention.
How is Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma diagnosed?
The diagnosis involves a thorough eye examination, including Tonometry to measure eye pressure and Gonioscopy to assess the drainage angle.
Imaging techniques like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) also help to evaluate the optic nerve.
What are the treatment options for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma?
Treatment typically involves medications to lower Intraocular Pressure, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) to create a hole in the iris for improved drainage, or surgery in severe cases.
Early intervention is crucial to relieving symptoms and preventing vision loss.
What causes Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma?
Several factors contribute to its development, including anatomical predisposition (narrow drainage angle), age, family history of Glaucoma, specific medications, and procedures that dilate the pupils.
Can Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma be prevented?
Early detection of some risk factors is possible through personal awareness and regular eye exams.
Proactive measures, such as avoiding medications that trigger an attack, can help reduce the risk.
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