Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a complicated eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss for individuals over 60. However, it can develop at any age. 

There are several different forms of glaucoma. Unfortunately, many of them do not present warning signs. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular comprehensive eye exams that include measuring the pressure in your eyes. This makes it possible to diagnose the condition in its early stages. When diagnosed early, it is possible to slow down or prevent vision loss. 

What Is Glaucoma?

Essentially, this group of eye conditions damages the eye’s optic nerve. Left untreated, this condition often leads to irreversible vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to prevent vision loss. Eye doctors recommend that people over 35 get an eye examination for glaucoma each year.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The two primary forms of glaucoma are angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma. Your symptoms will depend on the type of glaucoma and its severity. Some of the early signs and symptoms of glaucoma include:

 

Loss of Vision in One Eye

If you notice a blind spot or loss of vision in one eye, you should get a glaucoma test. This condition can cause a gradual vision loss. So if you notice this problem, you should get an eye checkup as soon as possible. 

 

It is vital to get an eye exam if you experience a sudden vision loss in one eye. At that point, your condition is an emergency since you will have a short window of time to prevent permanent loss of vision or blindness. 

 

Halos Around Lights

A halo is a bright circle surrounding a light source, such as headlights or light bulbs. If you see halos around lights, that might indicate a serious eye condition such as glaucoma or cataracts. However, you need to understand that you might see halos around lights following LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, or the eyeglasses you wear. Therefore, you should get an eye exam for an accurate diagnosis.

 

Sensitivity to Light

Individuals with high eye pressure tend to experience increased sensitivity to light due to several reasons. For example, the clear tissue of the eye may be waterlogged and cloudy, which can be very uncomfortable. Your unclear cornea can cause light to bounce off it irregularly, causing glare. While this may not affect your vision in the short term, it may be an early symptom of glaucoma.

Cloudy Eyes

Your cornea has a layer of cells that pump watery fluid out, keeping the cornea clear. When the pressure in your eye rises too high, the fluid will penetrate the cornea, making it waterlogged and cloudy. That is what causes cloudy eyes.

Sudden and Severe Eye Pain

Sudden and severe pain in your eye is one of the most apparent signs of an acute glaucoma attack. It will often require emergency treatment since the pain can be unbearable. It can also cause nausea and redness of the eye.

Whether or not you think you might be developing glaucoma, you should undergo regular eye exams. Your eye doctor will check for any early signs and symptoms of glaucoma and other eye and vision conditions.

For more on glaucoma, visit the Eyecare Center of Martin at our office in Martin, Tennessee. You can also call (731) 587-3555 to book an appointment today.