Symptoms for Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma

Approximately 4 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma is a group of conditions caused by increased pressure within your eye, known as intra-ocular pressure (IOP).
  1. Background

    • Angle Closure Glaucoma is a form of the glaucoma caused by a decrease in distance between your iris and the lens of your eyes that is common with age. Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma occurs when this decrease in distance does not completely block off the flow of fluids in your eye.

    Effects

    • Because Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma only causes a partial blockage in the eye, the resulting increase in IOP is less than what occurs in other types of glaucoma. As a result, the symptoms of Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma are less severe than other types of glaucoma.

    Types of Symptoms

    • Symptoms of Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma include aches in or around your eyes, headaches and blurred vision. Rarely, nausea and vomiting occur, according to the International Glaucoma Association.

    Time Frame

    • The visual disturbances caused by Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma are usually transient, meaning that they come on and last for several minutes or hours and then disappear.

    Treatment

    • Doctors usually treat the symptoms of Intermittent Angle Closure Glaucoma with prescription eye drops to reduce pressure. In some cases, the lens of your eye may need to be replaced to control the increases in IOP.

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