angle closure glaucoma Flashcards
presenting sx
Acute angle closure glaucoma presents as an acutely painful red eye with an associated raised
intraocular pressure. This constitutes an ophthalmic emergency and should be diagnosed
promptly, as timely treatment saves permanent blindness from irreversible damage to the optic
nerve. It also constitutes as an important differential for exams for headache with nausea and
vomiting.
signs on examination of the eye
Fixed oval shaped mid-dilated pupil not responsive to light § Much reduced vision § Cloudy cornea § Extreme pain § Hyperaemia of conjunctiva § Associated nausea and vomiting
important features of history to ask
It is imperative that examining clinicians identify clinical features and associated risk factors by
asking a detailed history including long-sightedness, advanced age, use of cough syrup, or
ocular surgery.
mx
Treatment involves intravenous (or oral) administration of acetazolamide to reduce the
intraocular pressure, alongside topical steroids and intraocular pressure lowering eye drops
(such as latanoprost or timolol).