Glaucoma Attack

Acute glaucoma, also referred to as an attack of glaucoma, is caused by a constitutional predisposition or a manifest narrow-angle glaucoma.

During the attack, the iridocorneal angle (angle of the iris) is occluded and the inner ocular pressure increases dramatically (sometime reaching levels of 70 mmHg).

The so-called secondary symptoms, such as dizziness, intense headaches and even vomiting, are often much more severe than the pain in the eye itself. Other symptoms include stomach pains, inexplicable fever and decreased visual acuity. The eye becomes very red and the eyeball hardens. An attack of glaucoma can be brought on by medication (antidepressants, mydriatic (pupil-dilating) drops, etc. Another possible cause is psychological stress accompanied by feelings of fear.

When a patient notices the symptoms described above, he or she should immediately visit an eye clinic or ophthalmologist. As a rule, the patient will be given eye drops that ease the pain and change the size of the pupils.

Self-help in an emergency:

A small high-proof alcoholic drink (schnapps, cognac, grappa, etc.) can provide temporary “relaxation.” This immediate relief is by no means a substitute for a visit to the ophthalmologist, however!!