Glaucoma is a condition where the eye’s optic nerve, which provides information to the brain, is damaged with or without raised intraocular pressure. If untreated, glaucoma will cause gradual vision loss.
Glaucoma is very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
- Treatments can help manage the condition, but there is no known cure.
- Glaucoma often requires lab tests or imaging.
- Glaucoma can last several years or be lifelong.
- Glaucoma is common for ages 50 and older.
- Family history may increase likelihood of having glaucoma.
Glaucoma is known to worsen with time. It is connected to a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Overtime, the pressure may heighten and ultimately erode the optic nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss. A high number of people with the condition don’t experience any early symptoms or pain. However, there are a few signs that may be noticed by individuals with the condition. If any of the symptoms are noticed early, it is advisable to seek immediate treatment. Fortunately, people who catch the symptoms early stand a chance of not having additional vision loss.
Here are some of the symptoms and signs of glaucoma:
- Nausea is an early sign that is painless, but discomforting.
- Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, through which the eye carries out messages and functions to the brain. You may have sudden blurry vision.
- Depending on the severity at which the disease is experienced results in temporary vision disturbances or permanent loss of sight. You may see rainbows or halos when looking at lights, especially at night. This symptom makes driving dangerous for the victim of glaucoma.
- You may have pain in the eye when the aqueous humor fluid is trapped in one place.
- High blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye, which ultimately may cause bleeding in the eye. The condition is called retinopathy.
- Glaucoma also causes gritty eye symptoms.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself against glaucoma and other eye diseases is to visit a certified vision specialist, an ophthalmologist, in your area. Open-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but an early diagnosis of certain types of glaucoma can be prevented.
“Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. <https://www.mayoclinicorg/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839.
