Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency: the drainage angle closes suddenly, intraocular pressure rises steeply within hours, quickly threatening vision. It is quite different from chronic, silent glaucoma.
Warning signs
A red, very painful eye, sudden loss of vision, coloured halos around lights, sometimes headache, nausea and vomiting. The pupil is often mid-dilated and the eye feels hard.
What to do?
Seek emergency care — an ophthalmology department or A&E — without delay: every hour counts to save vision.
The treatment
Immediate medical treatment to lower the pressure, then a laser iridotomy (a small opening in the iris) to restore aqueous circulation and prevent recurrence, often performed on the other eye too as a precaution.
Frequently asked questions
Can the attack be prevented?
Yes, in people with narrow angles found on examination: a preventive laser iridotomy avoids the attack. Some dilating drops should be avoided with narrow angles — always mention your treatments.
Book an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).