Despite being a leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60, glaucoma can occur at any point in a person’s life. It is caused by increased pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve. There is no cure for this disorder, so medical professionals recommend exercise to help ease any tension in the eyes and schedule routine exams to detect it early. Here are some warning signs to look out for if you suspect you are developing this condition. 

Patchy Blindness

You might notice parts of your vision are blocked out either when you are looking straight ahead or in your peripherals. This can be a warning sign of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. It can affect both eyes and will happen frequently.

Blurred Vision

Struggling to see things close up or far away with or without your glasses could mean you are experiencing blurred vision. This can be a symptom of closed-angle glaucoma. You might feel disoriented or unsure of your surroundings, and it could take several moments for your eyes to adjust and regular vision to return.

Severe Eye Pain and Redness

Some people describe glaucoma as the worst eye pain they have ever felt in their life. The discomfort can become so severe it leads to nausea or vomiting. In addition, eyes could appear red from inflammation and hurt to touch.

Constant Headaches

Although headaches are a common symptom of many conditions, this kind of pain often appears alongside other signs of glaucoma. Suppose you have noticed issues looking out your left eye and then get a headache on that same side, for example. The aching related to glaucoma will be severe, and you might need to seek medical attention.

Difficulty with Lights

Sudden bright lights can catch anyone off guard. However, those suffering from glaucoma will struggle with brightly lit rooms and other photosensitivities. Seeing a rainbow halo around a lamp is also a sign of this condition.

Vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be recovered. That is why it’s important to have regular exams to catch it early so you can have a treatment plan to slow its progression. This can be accomplished with drops, oral medications, and laser treatments or surgery. If you are wondering how to prevent glaucoma, the first step is to consult with your optician for a dilated eye exam. At Laurier Optical, we work with patients dealing with glaucoma and are happy to answer any questions you might have about this condition. Please contact us to learn more. 

Article has been reviewed by an Optometrist.