What Are the Warning Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of ocular conditions that negatively impact your optic nerve. The optic nerve is the only nerve that connects the eye to the brain. When it is affected by one of these conditions, it will work incorrectly and, if untreated, can sustain permanent damage. These conditions usually cause the eye to experience high pressure. 

The high pressure caused by glaucoma presses the optic nerve, eventually damaging it. You can develop the condition at any age, but it is more common in older people over 60. It is the leading cause of blindness in people within this demographic. 

What Is Glaucoma?

As mentioned above, glaucoma refers to a group of ocular conditions. These conditions affect the intraocular pressure in your eye, which, if untreated, can damage the optic nerve. Most forms of the disease do not show any early signs. They develop gradually, making it difficult to notice changes in vision until they are in the advanced stages. 

Regular eye exams are the only way to detect these diseases in the early stage. After you get to 40 years and have no eye issues, you should have an exam every year or once every two years. 

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma comes in several different forms with differing symptoms.

Open-angle

Open-angle is the most common form of glaucoma among most people. This form does not present any early warning symptoms while it is developing. However, you may notice patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision. As the condition progresses to its advanced stages, you will have issues with your central vision. 

Acute Angle-closure

Acute angle closure is the second most common form of glaucoma. It may have some early warning symptoms like severe headaches. You may also experience severe eye pain, vomiting, or nausea. As the disease progresses, you will develop blurry vision or notice colored rings or halos around lights. Another common symptom is eye redness that does not go away.

Normal Tension

Normal tension glaucoma, like open-angle, also does not manifest any symptoms. Gradually, your vision will become blurry, and you will lose your peripheral vision as the disease progresses.

Congenital Glaucoma

Glaucoma can develop in children from birth. If your child has glaucoma, you will notice they have cloudy or dull eyes. Infants also show excessive blinking and may tear up when not crying. If the child is older, they may complain of blurry vision or headaches. They may also have myopia that gets significantly worse over time. 

Pigmentary

With this form, you will first notice halos around lights and blurry vision when you exercise. You will also experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms present suddenly, there is a chance of acute-angle glaucoma. You should see an eye doctor immediately as it is a very severe form of the condition. If you see any of the symptoms above, rush to an emergency room or have someone take you immediately.

For more on what the warning signs of glaucoma are, visit Lakeview Optometry at our office in Monticello, Indiana. Call (574) 622-8400​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.