Chief Complaint: Eye Pain
a. History: Severe headache
| Pivotal Assessment | Finding |
|---|---|
History |
Symptoms
Glaucoma presents with a prostrating headache associated with nausea and vomiting. The headache often starts with severe eye pain.
Closed-angle glaucoma (also called angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma) is an ophthalmic emergency and can cause rapid vision loss if not treated promptly. The symptoms often come on suddenly and are usually quite dramatic.
Severe eye pain – often sudden and intense
Headache – typically one-sided and can be mistaken for a migraine
Blurred vision
Halos around lights – especially in dim lighting
Nausea and vomiting – often due to the pain
Red eye
Mid-dilated pupil – the pupil may look irregular and not respond normally to light
Decreased vision – rapidly progressing if untreated
This type of glaucoma happens when the drainage angle of the eye (between the iris and the cornea) closes abruptly, causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).
This is an ocular emergency. If someone experiences these symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention—ideally from an ophthalmologist or emergency room. Delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss.
Do you want info on risk factors or how it differs from open-angle glaucoma?