Acute angle-closure crisis (AACC) is an ophthalmic emergency defined by an occluded anterior chamber angle with symptomatic, markedly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The clinical picture is distinctive and requires prompt, structured management.

Clinical scenario: Occluded anterior chamber angle with symptomatic markedly elevated IOP. Presenting symptoms include eye pain, headache, nausea/vomiting, and blurred vision with halos. Key examination findings are corneal edema, conjunctival and episcleral vascular congestion, and a mid-dilated pupil.

Treatment approach

When AACC does not respond to conventional medical management, interventional surgical or laser procedures targeting the lens or ciliary body may be considered. The complete protocol specifies which procedure applies under which conditions — access it below.

References

DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.12.030

Acute angle-closure crisis (AACC): occluded angle with symptomatic high IOP
Symptoms of AACC include eye pain, headache, nausea/vomiting, and blurred vision with halos.
Clinical signs of AACC are markedly elevated IOP, corneal edema, conjunctival and episcleral vascular congestion, and/or a mid-dilated pupil.
Other treatments for AACC unresponsive to conventional treatment include phacoemulsification, phacoemulsification combined with other glaucoma procedures, and cyclophotocoagulation.

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Treatment of Angle-closure Glaucoma with Corneal Edema and Markedly Elevated Intraocular Pressure

Treatment approach

References