Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. This damage can lead to vision loss or blindness. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to the brain and is vital for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreparable damage without showing early symptoms.
Glaucoma can happen even with normal eye pressure, called normal tension glaucoma. Glaucoma can happen at any age but is more common in older adults. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is in its later stages.
It’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is found early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have glaucoma, you’ll need treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the condition.
Open-angle glaucoma
- No symptoms in early stages.
- Gradually, patchy blind spots in your side vision. Side vision also is called peripheral vision.
- In later stages, difficulty seeing things in your central vision.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Bad headache.
- Severe eye pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blurred vision.
- Halos or colored rings around lights.
- Eye redness.
Normal-tension glaucoma
- No symptoms in early stages.
- Gradually, blurred vision.
- In later stages, loss of side vision.
Glaucoma in children
- A dull or cloudy eye (infants).
- Increased blinking (infants).
- Tears without crying (infants).
- Blurred vision.
- Nearsightedness that gets worse.
- Headache.
Pigmentary glaucoma
- Halos around lights.
- Blurred vision with exercise.
- Gradual loss of side vision.
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms that come on suddenly, you may have acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include bad headache and severe eye pain. You need treatment as soon as possible. Go to an emergency room or call an eye doctor, called an ophthalmologist, immediately.
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Risk factors
Glaucoma can damage vision before you notice any symptoms. So be aware of these risk factors:
- High internal eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure.
- Family history of glaucoma.
- Age over 40.
- Black, Asian or Hispanic heritage.
- Corneas that are thin in the center.
- Eye injury or certain types of eye surgery.
- Taking corticosteroid medicines, especially eye drops, for a long time.
Some people have narrow drainage angles, putting them at increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
Prevention
These steps may help find and manage glaucoma in its early stages. That may help to prevent vision loss or slow its progress.
- Get regular eye exams. Regular eye exams can help find glaucoma in its early stages, before a lot of damage occurs. As a general rule eye exam every 5 to 10 years if you’re under 40 years old; every 2 to 4 years if you’re 40 to 54 years old; every 1 to 3 years if you’re 55 to 64 years old; and every 1 to 2 years if you’re older than 65. If you’re at risk of glaucoma, you’ll need screening more often. Ask a healthcare professional to recommend the right screening schedule for you.
- Know your family’s eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you’re at increased risk, you may need screening more often.
- Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing sports.
- Take prescribed eye drops regularly. Glaucoma eye drops can greatly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. Use eye drops as prescribed by a healthcare professional even if you have no symptoms.