What is the immediate treatment for acute angle closure glaucoma?

The immediate treatment for acute angle closure glaucoma focuses on rapid intervention to lower intraocular pressure and alleviate symptoms, making emergency evaluation in the emergency room the correct approach. This condition is a medical emergency, as it can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed quickly.

Upon evaluation, healthcare professionals can take necessary actions such as prescribing medications that reduce intraocular pressure, performing gonioscopy to assess the angle, and, in some cases, preparing for procedures such as laser peripheral iridotomy, which creates a new drainage pathway for fluid in the eye.

Timely evaluation is crucial because acute angle closure glaucoma typically presents with severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, requiring immediate management in a controlled environment. Approaching this situation as an emergency allows for prompt and effective treatment, significantly reducing the risk of complications.

While pain relief and other measures can be supportive, they do not address the underlying cause or the acute nature of the condition as effectively as getting the patient to an emergency setting where comprehensive care can be provided.