Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Quick Guide

When talking about acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden eye emergency where the drainage angle closes and pressure spikes, threatening vision. Also known as AACG, it demands fast action because the rise in intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve within hours. The condition usually follows a narrow drainage angle, a trait that often runs in families, and can be triggered by dark rooms, certain medications, or even stress. In practice, acute angle-closure glaucoma encompasses a chain of events: a blocked trabecular meshwork leads to pressure buildup, which then produces severe eye pain, halos around lights, nausea, and blurry vision. Recognizing these signs early means the difference between preserving sight and permanent loss.

Key Players in Diagnosis and Treatment

Three core entities shape how doctors handle the crisis. First, peripheral iridotomy, a laser‑created hole in the iris that equalizes pressure is often the definitive fix; it opens a new pathway for fluid, instantly lowering pressure. Second, pilocarpine, a cholinergic eye drop that contracts the pupil and opens the drainage angle is used as an emergency medication to buy time before iridotomy. Third, modern glaucoma medications, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta‑blockers help maintain lower pressure after the acute episode. The relationship is clear: diagnosis requires measuring intraocular pressure, treatment hinges on either pilocarpine or iridotomy, and long‑term management relies on glaucoma meds. Pharmacovigilance data, like the post‑marketing safety reports highlighted in our collection, show that some systemic drugs (e.g., antihistamines) can precipitate an attack, reminding clinicians to screen medication histories carefully.

Our curated posts below bring this web of information to life. You’ll find a deep dive into how post‑marketing drug safety catches hidden side effects that could trigger eye‑pressure spikes, a side‑by‑side look at antibiotics that matter for patients undergoing eye surgery, and a clear comparison of cataract versus eye‑swelling symptoms—so you can tell the difference when pain strikes. Whether you’re a patient worried about family risk, a caregiver learning the warning signs, or a health professional updating practice guidelines, the articles ahead cover the practical steps, drug‑interaction alerts, and procedural details you need. Let’s explore these resources and arm yourself with the knowledge to act fast when acute angle‑closure glaucoma appears.