Which type of glaucoma is characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure?

Which type of glaucoma is characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure?

• A. Open-angle glaucoma
• B. Normal-tension glaucoma
• C. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• D. Secondary glaucoma

Answer: (C)

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in intraocular pressure due to the blockage of the drainage pathways of the eye. This condition occurs when the angle formed between the iris and the cornea is closed, preventing aqueous humor from draining out of the eye. Symptoms often include sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and the appearance of halos around lights. The rapid rise in intraocular pressure can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss if not treated promptly. In contrast, open-angle glaucoma usually develops slowly and is pain-free, making it a chronic condition rather than an acute event. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure levels, and secondary glaucoma arises from other medical conditions or medications. Hence, acute angle-closure glaucoma is distinctly identified by its sudden onset and associated symptoms.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in intraocular pressure due to the blockage of the drainage pathways of the eye. This condition occurs when the angle formed between the iris and the cornea is closed, preventing aqueous humor from draining out of the eye. Symptoms often include sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and the appearance of halos around lights. The rapid rise in intraocular pressure can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss if not treated promptly.

In contrast, open-angle glaucoma usually develops slowly and is pain-free, making it a chronic condition rather than an acute event. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure levels, and secondary glaucoma arises from other medical conditions or medications. Hence, acute angle-closure glaucoma is distinctly identified by its sudden onset and associated symptoms.