Halos, Headache and a Painful Red Eye: Recognizing an Angle-Closure Glaucoma Attack

Most glaucoma is silent. That is the message I repeat most often. But one form of glaucoma can announce itself loudly, and recognizing it can save your sight: an acute angle-closure attack.

Open-angle glaucoma: no early warning

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, has no warning signs or obvious symptoms early on. Blind spots develop in side vision as it progresses, and most people do not notice any change until the damage is quite severe. That is why it is called the “silent thief of sight,” and why regular eye exams matter.

Angle-closure glaucoma: often quiet until it is not

The AAO notes that people at risk for angle-closure glaucoma usually have no symptoms before an attack. Some early symptoms may include blurred vision, halos, mild headaches or eye pain, and people with these symptoms should be checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Signs of an attack

According to the AAO, an attack of angle-closure glaucoma includes:

• severe pain in the eye or forehead
• redness of the eye
• decreased or blurred vision
• seeing rainbows or halos
• headache
• nausea and vomiting

Because nausea and headache are part of the picture, an attack can be mistaken for a migraine or stomach bug. If those symptoms come with a red, painful eye and halos, treat it as an eye emergency and call an ophthalmologist or go to an emergency room right away.

Other forms worth knowing

• Normal-tension glaucoma. Eye pressure is in the normal range, but the optic nerve shows damage and blind spots appear.
• Glaucoma suspects. People with higher-than-normal pressure (ocular hypertension) or an optic nerve that looks different, but no damage yet. Most have no symptoms and need careful monitoring.
• Pigment dispersion and pigmentary glaucoma. Some people notice halos or blurry vision after jogging or playing basketball.

For local eye health news and tips for Conejo Valley families, see this Thousand Oaks eye health blog.

If an eye doctor has ever told you that your drainage angles are “narrow,” ask what symptoms should send you in the same day. Knowing the plan ahead of time makes all the difference.

Source: What Are Common Glaucoma Symptoms? (American Academy of Ophthalmology). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.