Severe eye pain, reduced vision, and nausea could suggest which condition?

• A. Open-angle glaucoma
• B. Cataract
• C. Conjunctivitis
• D. Angle-closure glaucoma

Answer: (D)

Acute angle-closure glaucoma. When the angle between the iris and cornea suddenly closes, aqueous humor can’t drain properly, causing a rapid and dangerous rise in intraocular pressure. That abrupt pressure jump produces severe eye pain, reduced vision, and often systemic symptoms like nausea or vomiting. This is an emergency because the optic nerve can be damaged quickly if pressure isn’t lowered.

This set of symptoms isn’t typical for the other options. Open-angle glaucoma usually presents with little or no pain and a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Cataracts cause progressive blur and glare that develops slowly, not sudden pain. Conjunctivitis leads to a red eye with discharge and irritation but not the severe pain and systemic symptoms described.

If this presentation occurs, it requires urgent evaluation and treatment to lower the eye pressure and prevent vision loss, often followed by definitive treatment such as a laser or surgical procedure.