The Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma

A series of eye conditions known as glaucoma can gradually damage your optic nerve. It does so by causing an accumulation of fluids inside your eye, impairing its ability to drain properly. If you fail to catch and treat glaucoma early on, you will let it impair your vision and leave you blind. 

In many cases, however, the condition is asymptomatic. The most effective way to spot the early signs of glaucoma is by scheduling regular eye exams with your optometrist. Here are the warning signs to help you out:

Loss of Vision in One Eye

If a blind spot suddenly appears in your field of vision or you notice that your vision is deteriorating, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. It is because it could be a sign of glaucoma. 

It could be the optimal time to see your ophthalmologist, as glaucoma causes gradual vision loss. Worse, it becomes an emergency if you abruptly lose vision in one eye. If this is the case, you have limited time to get treatment to prevent permanent blindness.

Noticing Halos

If you begin noticing halos around light bulbs and other sources of light, you are likely having a severe eye disorder. A halo looks like a bright circle surrounding a light source. If you see halos, you could be having cataracts or glaucoma.

Experiencing Light Sensitivity

Abnormally high eye pressure—also known as intraocular pressure (IOP)—in young adults intensifies their light sensitivity. It can be a result of many reasons. When your cornea is cloudy or foggy, you may experience glare, as light entering your eye bounces off the cornea abnormally. Worse still, it could be an early warning sign of glaucoma, even though it might not harm your vision immediately.

Experiencing Sudden and Severe Eye Pain

You could have an acute glaucoma attack if you suddenly start experiencing severe eye pain. In most cases like this, you will require emergency treatment. The condition could be acute, leaving you with unbearable pain.

Experiencing Cloudy Vision

Numerous cells in your cornea constantly drain fluid from it, keeping it clear. If the IOP rises, this fluid pushes against your cornea, making it cloudy and waterlogged. To spot this sign, you can look in the mirror for signs of cloudiness in your eyes. If they are there, book an appointment with your eye specialist immediately. It can signal the onset of glaucoma.

Other Early Signs of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma often shows no signs earlier on. But when the signs show, your glaucoma is in its advanced phase. In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma shows its signs a bit early on. Here are a few more signs to be on the lookout for:

• Tunnel vision when open-angle glaucoma advances

• Red eyes

• Severe headaches

• Hazy-like eyes, especially in infants

• Vomiting or upset stomach

• Nausea

If you notice these early warning signs of glaucoma, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. It is easier to treat this condition in earlier stages to preserve your vision.

For more on early warning signs of glaucoma, visit City Eyes Optometry Center at our office in Sherman Oaks, California. Call (818) 960-1300 to book an appointment today.