Angle closure glaucoma is one of four major types of glaucoma. It is also referred to as acute glaucoma. This type of glaucoma differs from other types of glaucoma, such as open angle glaucoma.

Fluid in the eye drains through a channel in the front of the eye called the anterior chamber angle. In angle closure glaucoma, the angle gets suddenly blocked, causing the fluid to build up in the eye. The blockage of fluid causes the eye pressure to rise quickly.

Angle closure glaucoma is one of the few eye diseases that should be considered as an emergency and treated immediately to prevent damage to the optic nerve. 

Symptoms of Angle Closure Glaucoma

Symptoms of angle closure glaucoma include:

• Sudden, severe eye pain
• Decreased or cloudy vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Halos around lights
• Red eye
• Headaches

If you experience these symptoms, see an eye expert as soon as possible.

Treatments for Angle Closure Glaucoma

To treat angle closure glaucoma, your doctor will reduce the intraocular pressure. This can be accomplished by:

• Eye drops to slow fluid production
• Intravenous and oral medications
• Laser iridotomy can relieve pressure by creating a new pathway for fluid to flow Surgery may be required in some cases.

If treated promptly, the visual prognosis after an angle closure glaucoma attack is very good. 

Call 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853) to learn more about angle closure glaucoma, narrow angle glaucoma, or open angle glaucoma treatment and prevention services available at one of Duke Eye Center’s Durham, Raleigh, or Cary, North Carolina offices.