Which symptom is indicative of acute angle-closure glaucoma requiring urgent care?

Which symptom is indicative of acute angle-closure glaucoma requiring urgent care?

• A. Gradual loss of peripheral vision over years
• B. Severe eye pain with sudden visual disturbance and halos
• C. Itchy eyes with watery discharge
• D. Chronic dry eye sensation

Answer: (B)

Severe eye pain with sudden visual disturbance and halos around lights is a hallmark of acute angle-closure glaucoma, an urgent eye emergency. This condition happens when the iris blocks the drainage angle, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure that can quickly damage the optic nerve and threaten lasting vision. Because the pressure climbs so quickly, immediate medical treatment is essential to lower the pressure and prevent permanent vision loss, often needing medications right away and prompt laser or surgical intervention. The other symptoms point to less urgent or different issues: gradual peripheral vision loss over years is typical of chronic open-angle glaucoma; itchy eyes with watery discharge suggests conjunctivitis or allergies; chronic dry eye sensation is a separate, non-emergency condition.

Severe eye pain with sudden visual disturbance and halos around lights is a hallmark of acute angle-closure glaucoma, an urgent eye emergency. This condition happens when the iris blocks the drainage angle, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure that can quickly damage the optic nerve and threaten lasting vision. Because the pressure climbs so quickly, immediate medical treatment is essential to lower the pressure and prevent permanent vision loss, often needing medications right away and prompt laser or surgical intervention.

The other symptoms point to less urgent or different issues: gradual peripheral vision loss over years is typical of chronic open-angle glaucoma; itchy eyes with watery discharge suggests conjunctivitis or allergies; chronic dry eye sensation is a separate, non-emergency condition.