Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” for a good reason, it can sneak up on you with little to no warning before causing permanent vision loss. This eye condition damages the optic nerve, typically due to high pressure in the eye. While glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, early detection and treatment along with proper eye care in Austin, TX, can make all the difference in preserving your vision.
But how do you know if you might have glaucoma? Here are six signs to watch for and tips on what to do if you notice them.
1. Loss of Peripheral Vision
One of the earliest and most common signs of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. You might find it challenging to notice objects off to the side or feel as though you’re looking through a tunnel. This symptom can develop so slowly that many people don’t realize they’ve lost peripheral vision until it becomes severe.
If you find that your peripheral vision seems limited, it’s essential to get it checked by an eye doctor right away. Detecting this change early can prevent further damage to your optic nerve.
2. Seeing Halos Around Lights
Do lights seem to have glowing or rainbow-like rings around them, especially at night? This phenomenon, known as halos, can be a symptom of glaucoma. It often occurs due to increased eye pressure, which affects the way light bends as it enters your eye.
Halos can also make nighttime driving difficult or even dangerous. If you start noticing halos regularly, don’t dismiss it as a minor annoyance, schedule an eye exam to investigate the cause.
3. Eye Pain
While glaucoma is often painless in its early stages, some forms of the condition, like angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden and severe eye pain. You may feel a deep ache in one or both eyes that doesn’t improve on its own.
This type of pain occurs when fluid buildup in the eye causes a rapid spike in pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
4. Redness in the Eye
Persistent redness in one or both eyes can be another warning sign of glaucoma. While irritation or allergies can also cause redness, glaucoma-related eye redness is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or blurred vision.
If the redness doesn’t subside or is paired with other unusual discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact your eye care provider. Addressing it quickly could help safeguard your vision.
5. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision, whether it comes and goes or is constant, might indicate glaucoma. It can feel like your eyes aren’t focusing properly, or objects may seem less sharp than usual. This symptom often signals changes in eye pressure or damage to the optic nerve.
While blurred vision isn’t exclusive to glaucoma, any sudden or persistent blurriness should be evaluated by an eye doctor promptly.
6. Nausea or Vomiting
Believe it or not, nausea and vomiting can be related to glaucoma. These symptoms often occur along with severe eye pain and may indicate angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more urgent form of the disease.
If you experience nausea and vomiting alongside other eye-related symptoms, such as halos or blurred vision, seek immediate medical attention. Angle-closure glaucoma can escalate rapidly, leading to significant vision loss if untreated.
Conclusion
Being proactive about your eye health is the best way to protect your vision. Proper awareness along with regular eye exams will help you catch and manage any issues early. Your eyes are your windows to the world, and taking care of them ensures you can enjoy life’s beautiful moments for years to come.
If you’re due for an eye exam or suspect something unusual, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted eye care professional today!