Symptoms Of Angle Closure
- Blurred vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Rainbow halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
You should call your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Unless treated quickly, angle-closure glaucoma can result in complete blindness. It is most common in people of Asian descent and less common in people of European and African descent.
In some rare cases, glaucoma can present characteristics of both chronic open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. This is usually called chronic angle closure glaucoma or mixed mechanism glaucoma, and is most commonly found in people of African ancestry.
Treatment
In general, optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Eye drops, oral medication (pills), laser and other surgical procedures are only used to slow the progression of the disease and lessen any further damage.
Eye Drops & Oral Medication
The most common treatment for glaucoma is the use of eye drops several times a day, often in combination with an oral medication. These treatments reduce pressure within the eye by either improving the flow of fluid through the drainage angle or by slowing the production of aqueous humor within the eye.
In order for these medications to work, it must be taken regularly and continuously. Treatment for glaucoma requires teamwork between the doctor and the patient in order to be effective. The doctor prescribes the proper treatment, and as the patient, you make sure to take the medication as prescribed. Never change your medication or stop taking it without consulting your ophthalmologist first. Glaucoma medication can have side effects and you should be sure to immediately contact your ophthalmologist if you think you may be experiencing any of the following
For Eye Drops
- A stinging sensation in the eyes
- Red eyes
- Changes in pulse and heartbeat
- Changes in energy level
- Changes in breathing (especially if you have asthma or emphysema)
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
For Oral Medications
- Tingling of fingers and toes
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Bowel irregularities
- Kidney stones
- Anemia or easy bleeding