There is a form of angle closure that is very aggressive and shows intense symptoms. In this condition, there is a sudden rise in pressure leading to severe eye pain (and around the eye), redness, decrease in vision. This is known as an acute attack of angle closure and represents a medical emergency, which, if not treated in time, can cause optic nerve damage and loss of vision.
Acute attack symptoms normally occur in one eye, but it may be present in both eyes at the same time. The duration of the symptoms is relatively long (hours), when both pain and decrease vision are often associated. The pupil is often mid-dilated, and the pupil reflex is unresponsive to light.
Episodes of isolated eye pain or isolated blurred vision (minutes) that resolve spontaneously are likely not an acute angle closure attack.
Treatment may include topical and systemic drugs to lower IOP, followed by laser treatment aimed to open the angle (See Laser peripheral iridotomy). In some cases, surgical procedures may also be used to treat this condition.
