One of the leading causes of vision loss is glaucoma. The effects can be devastating and permanent since many people may have glaucoma without even noticing it.
Being informed about the nature of this condition and visiting your eye doctor regularly can help save your vision. Keep reading to find out if glaucoma has any symptoms!
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage your eye’s optic nerve. This bundle of nerve fibers carries messages to the brain in order to create images.
Your eye contains a fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid maintains pressure that is needed for the eye to function properly.
In a healthy eye, there is a balance between fluid exiting the eye and the creation of new fluid. The outward flow of the aqueous humor can become blocked.
Pressure can also increase due to excess production of fluid. When there is too much fluid in the eye, pressure builds up and causes glaucoma.
Some factors can heighten your risk of developing glaucoma. The biggest one is your age, mainly being over sixty.
This condition can also run in your family, making you more likely to develop it.
What Are the Types of Glaucoma?
There are two primary types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. They each have different symptoms and treatments.
Open-angle glaucoma is more common. In this case, a gradual blocking of the drainage canals leads to high eye pressure.
Treatment is typically successful if the disease is diagnosed early. With angle-closure glaucoma, a change in pupil size constricts the space between the cornea and the iris.
As a result, the iris’s outer edge stops fluid from draining as it should. This form of glaucoma requires immediate medical intervention.
Does Glaucoma Have Any Symptoms?
The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type. Open-angle glaucoma progresses slowly over time, while the onset of symptoms associated with angle-closure glaucoma can be sudden.
Most people with open-angle glaucoma do not experience any symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is often called the sneak thief of sight.
According to the CDC, half of the people with glaucoma do not know they have it. It can be years before a patient begins to notice vision loss, typically that of their peripheral or side vision.
If allowed to progress, it can lead to total loss of central vision. Unfortunately, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.
Early detection is the best way to stop glaucoma before it causes permanent damage. For this reason, get regular, comprehensive eye exams so your doctor can spot early signs of the disease.
Due to its sudden onset, the symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can be more obvious. It is considered a medical emergency.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:
- Severe eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye redness
When was the last time you were screened for glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery and Fifth Avenue EyeCare in Long Island, NY, today to ensure you maintain your vision.
