Although open-angle glaucoma is not caused by one single factor, several elements are known to contribute to risk for the disease. With chronic open-angle glaucoma, the symptoms may be so mild that none are noticed until irreversible damage has been done. In closed-angle glaucoma, the iris is pushed against the lens of the eye, shutting off the drainage angle. Sometimes the lens and the iris stick to each other. This results in a build-up of pressure.
Pressure increases suddenly, usually in one eye.
There may be a feeling of fullness in the eye along with reddening, swelling and blurred vision. This is an emergency situation and medical attention should be obtained immediately. Emergency surgery may be needed to allow fluid to flow freely. This type of glaucoma is often caused by some type of defect in the eye structure. With chronic closed-angle glaucoma, there are no such sudden symptoms.