Glaucoma: acute glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye disorders in which there is damage to the optic nerve (the nerve that sends messages from the eye to the brain). In most cases, this damage is the result of increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). It can lead to loss of vision and even to blindness.
What causes glaucoma?
The posterior (rear) chamber of the eye produces a fluid (the aqueous humour) that flows through the pupil into the anterior (front) chamber of the eye. Normally, this fluid drains out of the eye through drainage channels in an area called the angle of the anterior chamber. If blockage of the drainage channels occurs, the pressure in the eye builds up, leading to damage of the optic nerve.
There are 4 main types of glaucoma:
- Chronic open-angle glaucoma — the drainage channels narrow gradually, leading to a gradual loss of vision, affecting the peripheral (side) vision first. This is the most common form of glaucoma.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma — there is a sudden blockage of the drainage of the fluid, causing sudden onset of symptoms (see below).
- Secondary glaucoma — glaucoma that develops as a result of another disease, such as a cataract, or the use of steroids.
- Congenital glaucoma — a rare form of glaucoma that is present from birth.
What are the symptoms of acute glaucoma?
Symptoms of acute glaucoma include sudden (often severe) eye pain, blurred vision, rainbow haloes around lights and a red eye. There may also be nausea and vomiting.
Glaucoma is more common in older people and in those with a family history of the condition.
What is the treatment of acute glaucoma?
Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of acute glaucoma, you must seek medical attention immediately. If treatment is delayed, there can be permanent loss of vision.
Treatment is usually eye drops and medication (either oral or intravenous — through a drip) to lower the intraocular pressure, followed by laser iridotomy (surgery to open a new channel in the iris to relieve the pressure).
Because people who have had acute glaucoma are at risk of an acute attack in their other eye, surgery may be performed on the other eye to prevent this happening.
Last Reviewed: 04 August 2006
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