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Understanding Glaucoma: Early Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Jan 08, 2025

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it can cause irreversible damage to your vision without any noticeable warning signs. Early detection is key to preserving your eyesight, making it crucial to understand the early signs and symptoms of this condition.


What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by high pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.


Types of Glaucoma

The most common forms of glaucoma include:


•          Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, it progresses slowly and is often symptomless in the early stages.


•          Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common form that can develop suddenly, causing acute symptoms that require immediate medical attention.


•          Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Damage occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range.


Early Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

While the early stages of glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms, there are key warning signs to watch for:


•       Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision: Losing vision at the edges of your visual field is one of the earliest indicators of glaucoma. This is especially common with primary open-angle glaucoma.


•       Blurry Vision: Sudden or intermittent episodes of blurred vision could indicate increased intraocular pressure.


•       Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights, especially at night, may signal elevated eye pressure.


•       Eye Pain or Headaches: Angle-closure glaucoma often causes severe eye pain, nausea, and headaches due to a rapid increase in eye pressure.


•       Redness in the Eye: Persistent redness accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or  vision changes can be a sign of glaucoma.


Why Early Detection Matters

Glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, but early detection and treatment can prevent further damage. Annual comprehensive eye exams, including measurements of intraocular pressure and optic nerve evaluation, are critical. Those with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or age over 60 should be especially vigilant and may require more frequent eye exams.


Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can silently steal your vision if left undetected and untreated. By understanding its early signs and symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your eyesight.  At Vision Center South, our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and experienced team ensure that you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.


Don’t ignore the early signs of glaucoma, schedule your eye exam with Vision Center South today. Visit our office in Dothan, Alabama, or call (334) 793-2633 to book an appointment.

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