What are the Symptoms of Narrow Angle Glaucoma?

Narrow-angle glaucoma, also known as angle-closure glaucoma, is a type of glaucoma characterized by increased pressure within the eye due to a sudden or rapidly progressing blockage of the drainage angle in the eye. Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma can include:

  • Severe eye pain: Intense pain in or around the affected eye, often described as a stabbing or throbbing sensation.
  • Redness of the eye: The affected eye may appear red due to increased pressure and irritation.
  • Blurred or decreased vision: Vision may become hazy or blurred, or you may notice a decrease in your ability to see clearly.
  • Halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights: Seeing halos or rainbow-like circles around lights, especially at night.
  • Sudden vision loss: Rapid or sudden loss of vision, particularly if associated with severe eye pain.
  • Headache and nausea: Severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
  • Rainbow-colored halos around lights: Seeing colorful halos or rings around lights, especially in dim lighting.
  • Dilated pupil: The pupil may be larger than normal and may react poorly to light.
  • Haziness in the cornea: Cloudiness or haziness in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.
  • Eye redness and tearing: Increased redness and tearing due to elevated eye pressure.

Narrow-angle glaucoma is considered a medical emergency because the increased pressure inside the eye can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve and vision loss if not promptly treated. If you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or any of the mentioned symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.