Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is classified under what type of care urgency?

1. Routine

2. Semiurgent

3. Emergency

4. Non-urgent

The correct answer is: Emergency

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is classified as an emergency because it presents with sudden onset symptoms, including severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and nausea. This condition occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure, which can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The urgency of this situation is critical, as immediate medical intervention is necessary to lower the intraocular pressure and alleviate symptoms. Delaying treatment can have severe consequences for the patient's vision, making it imperative that acute narrow-angle glaucoma receives immediate attention from healthcare professionals.