Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: Red and Painful Eye (Refer) Flashcards
What is glaucoma?
A group of disorders characterised by optic neuropathy due to a raised intraocular pressure (IOP)
What is Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG)?
When there is a rise in intraocular pressure secondary to an impairment of aqueous outflow.
What are the predisposing factors to AACG?
Hypermetropia (long-signtedness)
Pupillary dilatation
Lens growth associated with age
What are the symptoms of AACG?
Severe pain: ocular or headache
Decreased visual acuity
Hard, red-eye
Symptoms worse with mydriasis (e.g. watching TV in a dark room)
Haloes around lights
Semi-dilated non-reacting pupil
Corneal oedea results in dull or hazy cornea
What systemic features may be seen in AACG?
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
What is the management of AACG?
Urgent referral to an ophthalmologist
Managements options include reducing aqueous secretions with acetazolamide and inducing pupillary constriction with topical pilocarpine
What drugs can be used in the management of AACG?
Acetazolamide (reduce secretions)
Pilocarpine (pupillary constriction)
What are the RED FLAG symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma?
Severe pain (may be ocular or headache)
Decreased visual acuity: haloes
Semi-dilated pupil
Hazy cornea
