What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a term that encompasses a group of eye conditions affecting the optic nerve, which is critical for good vision. This optic nerve damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye, and it's one of the leading causes of blindness for people over 60 years old. However, glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.

Different Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, the two most common being open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, occurs when the eye's drainage canals become blocked, and the fluid cannot flow out freely. This leads to an increase in the intraocular pressure. In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma (also known as closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma) occurs when the drainage canals are blocked or covered over, like a sink with something covering the drain.

Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), also known as low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma, is a form of the disease where the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure is not very high. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Early Signs and Later Stage Symptoms

In the early stages of glaucoma, there may be few or no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms often begin in peripheral vision and may go unnoticed until the disease has advanced. People may compensate for this by turning their heads to the side to see. As the disease continues, the field of vision narrows, reducing direct (straight-ahead) vision, and may cause 'tunnel vision'. In the late stages of the disease, even this narrowed field of vision may be lost.

In acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms are often severe, and may cause one to seek immediate medical attention. They include blurred vision, halos around lights, severe eye pain, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist or go to an emergency room.

The Role of Regular Eye Exams in Detecting Glaucoma

The most effective way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is through early detection and treatment. And the best way to ensure early detection is to have regular comprehensive eye exams. During the exam, your eye doctor will measure your eye pressure, inspect your eye's drainage angle, examine your optic nerve for damage, test your peripheral vision, and take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve.

If you're over 40 and have a family history of glaucoma, you should get a complete eye exam from an eye doctor every one to two years. If you have health problems like diabetes or a family history of glaucoma or are at risk for other eye diseases, you may need to go more often.

Take Proactive Measures to Preserve Your Vision Today

Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that, without proper and timely care, can lead to irreversible damage. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against severe vision loss. Don't wait for the symptoms of glaucoma to appear before scheduling an eye exam. Stay vigilant, take care of your eye health, and prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

For more information on glaucoma, visit Highlands Optometry at our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia. We dedicated to providing personalized care to all our patients. Call (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612, respectively, to book an appointment today.