Acute inflammatory glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a severe and sudden form of glaucoma that occurs due to the rapid rise in intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure within the eye.
In acute inflammatory glaucoma, the rise in intraocular pressure is usually caused by a sudden blockage in the drainage angle of the eye, which prevents the fluid (aqueous humor) from properly draining out of the eye. This blockage is typically the result of the iris (colored part of the eye) moving forward and obstructing the drainage channel.
The condition is termed "inflammatory" because it often occurs as a result of an inflammatory response in the eye, such as inflammation caused by an infection, trauma, or certain medications. Other risk factors for acute inflammatory glaucoma include being elderly, having a family history of glaucoma, being farsighted, and having a shallow anterior chamber (the space between the iris and the cornea).
Symptoms of acute inflammatory glaucoma can include severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, redness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, this condition can lead to irreversible vision loss or blindness.
Immediate medical treatment is essential to relieve the increased intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the eye. Treatment options may include medication to lower the intraocular pressure, medications to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, surgery to create a new drainage channel for the fluid to escape from the eye.
