Early Signs of Glaucoma: How to Spot the Symptoms

Glaucoma is tricky. It sneaks up on you without much warning. It is the silent thief of sight. If not treated, permanent vision loss is a real possibility, and that is a path no one wants to take. Fortunately, catching it early can make all the difference.
 

What Exactly Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not just one condition. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. This usually happens due to increased pressure in the eye, but not always. Think of the optic nerve as the highway that connects your eyes to your brain. Your vision starts to pay the price when this nerve sustains damage.
 

Blurred Vision or Halos

Do you look at a streetlight at night and see halos around it? Your vision may be blurred, like looking through fogged-up glasses. These can be early signs of glaucoma, particularly acute angle-closure glaucoma. This type can appear suddenly and is a medical emergency.
 

Conversely, open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. It tends to progress slowly, and the signs can be more subtle.
 

Peripheral Vision Loss

Glaucoma often starts affecting your peripheral vision first. It is not the dramatic blindness but more like an ever-shrinking tunnel. By the time you notice, the damage could already be extensive.
 

Do you find yourself bumping into things on the sides? Do you feel like your peripheral vision is not what it used to be? It might be time to check in with an eye doctor.
 

Other Subtle Red Flags

Peripheral vision loss and blurry halos are common signs. Yet, other symptoms are worth keeping an eye on:

• Frequent Headaches - Elevated eye pressure can sometimes trigger headaches, especially around the brow area.

• Eye Pain or Pressure - This is not the usual kind of discomfort. It is more persistent and could signal increased intraocular pressure.

• Difficulty Adjusting to Low Light - Struggling to see in dim environments might hint at glaucoma-related optic nerve issues.
   

Risk Factors: Are You in the Clear?

Not everyone is equally at risk. Some factors make you more likely to develop glaucoma:

• Family History - If glaucoma runs in your family, you have a higher chance of developing it.

• Age - The older you get, the higher the risk, especially after 60.

• Race - African Americans and people of Asian or Hispanic descent are at greater risk for certain types of glaucoma.

• Chronic Conditions - Diabetes or hypertension can increase your risk.
   

Regular eye exams are a must if any of these apply to you.
 

How Can You Stay Ahead of Glaucoma?

Regular examinations are your best defense against glaucoma. How often should you go? If you are under 40 and have no risk factors, every two years might be fine. Annual checkups are the way to go if you are over 40 or at higher risk.
 

Your eye doctor will perform tests, like measuring intraocular pressure and checking your optic nerve health.
 

Glaucoma might be stealthy, but it is not unbeatable. The key is to act before it can steal your sight. If you notice any symptoms, however minor they might seem, make that appointment. After all, you have one pair of eyes, and they are worth taking care of.
 

Catching glaucoma early can mean the difference between maintaining your vision and losing it for good.
 

For more on glaucoma, visit Clarksdale Vision Center at our Clarksdale, Mississippi, office. Call (662)627-2020 to schedule an appointment today.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4212-glaucoma