What Are The Common Symptoms Of Glaucoma?
Understanding Glaucoma
Before understanding the symptoms of Glaucoma, you should grasp its basics. There are many types of Glaucoma, including primary open-angle Glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension Glaucoma, angle-closure Glaucoma, and congenital Glaucoma. While each type has distinct characteristics, they all have the common trait of causing optic nerve damage, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure (eye pressure).
Recognizing the Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of Glaucoma is essential because it’s a very severe eye condition that should be treated as soon as possible before it worsens. Let’s take a detailed look at all the significant symptoms of Glaucoma.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is often one of the first symptoms of Glaucoma, particularly in cases of angle-closure Glaucoma. The blurriness in the eyes may occur suddenly and intermittently, especially during episodes of increased eye pressure.
Loss of Vision
Glaucoma can cause vision loss, especially in your side vision. Over time, you might only notice it once it becomes really bad. This can eventually lead to tunnel vision, a condition where you can only see objects directly in front of you, and even blindness if not treated promptly.
Optic Nerve Damage
During the later stages of Glaucoma, evidence of optic nerve damage becomes visible during regular eye check-ups. This damage to the optic nerve is an indicator of the advancement of the disease, which should be addressed as soon as possible by an expert eye doctor.
Severe Pain in the Eye
Acute angle-closure Glaucoma is a serious type of eye condition that can lead to severe pain in your eyes, often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and seeing halos around lights.
The sudden onset of these symptoms, especially if they occur together, is a strong indicator of angle-closure Glaucoma. It is vital to seek immediate medical help when experiencing these sudden symptoms to prevent permanent vision loss.
Increased Pressure in Eyes
Intraocular pressure is another common risk factor for Glaucoma, and it can sometimes develop as pressure or discomfort in the eyes. However, you should note that not everyone with glaucoma experiences high eye pressure, as in the case of normal-tension Glaucoma.
Risk Factors & Considerations Associated With Glaucoma
While recognizing the symptoms of Glaucoma is a must, understanding the risk factors can also help patients in early detection and prevention. Family history, Age, ethnicity (African or Asian), certain medical conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes), and prolonged corticosteroid use are all known risk factors for Glaucoma.
Individuals with a history of eye injuries or high myopia (nearsightedness) may have an increased risk of Glaucoma. If you fall into the above mentioned category, regularly receive eye examinations and stay proactive. Remember that staying proactive is always beneficial and can keep you safe from many diseases and health conditions.
Seeking Treatment From Professional Eye Doctors
Early detection and treatment are game changers in managing Glaucoma and preventing vision loss. Suppose you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or have known risk factors for Glaucoma. In that case, you should undergo regular eye examinations, including optic nerve assessment and eye pressure measurements.
Treatments for Glaucoma vary and generally depend on the type and seriousness of the condition but may include medications, laser therapy (eye drops), or surgical procedures to lower intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
Ensure you receive treatment from an eye surgeon with experience and expertise in treating Glaucoma. Always confirm the credibility and reputation of the eye doctor or eye care clinic before getting treatment. You can read online reviews from previous patients, giving you a clear picture of the eye doctor or the clinic.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma comes in various forms. The most common type is Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, which typically develops slowly over time without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
Another form of Glaucoma is normal tension Glaucoma, in which the optic nerve in the eye is damaged, and vision loss happens despite normal intraocular pressure. The cause of this type of Glaucoma isn’t fully understood but may involve reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.
Angle-closure Glaucoma, also known as closed-angle or narrow-angle Glaucoma, is a sudden increase in intraocular pressure caused by a blockage of the eye’s drainage system. Lastly, Congenital Glaucoma is another type of Glaucoma. It is a rare form that occurs in infants and young children due to abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system present at birth.
Conclusion
Common symptoms of Glaucoma include blurred vision and sudden eye pain, which requires immediate professional attention to prevent vision loss. Treating Glaucoma on time is crucial to stopping its progression and preserving your vision. While elevated intraocular pressure is a known risk factor, some patients may develop Glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure, underscoring the importance of regular eye examinations.
Primary open-angle Glaucoma often develops with no early symptoms, making routine screenings a must-do for early detection. This emphasis on regular screenings should reassure you and make you feel proactive about your eye health.
Depending on the seriousness of the condition, eye doctors may recommend treatment options such as lasers to manage the condition effectively. We should all know that Glaucoma is a serious and severe eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated on time. This is why understanding the common symptoms of Glaucoma, its types, and risk factors is essential for early detection and treatment.
If you or anyone you know experiences any symptoms of Glaucoma or has risk factors for the condition, it’s recommended that you schedule an eye examination with an eye care professional. Remember, early detection can save your sight.
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Contact Bagan Vision Strinden For Glaucoma Treatment & More
If you or someone you know needs Glaucoma treatment, you should never delay seeking professional help. Bagan Strinden Vision specializes in providing experienced and expert glaucoma treatment, general eye care, eyelid procedures, laser eye surgery, and cataract surgery. This emphasis on seeking professional help should make you feel supported and guided in your journey to better eye health.
The Bagan Strinden Vision team has a track record of over 30,000 successful cataract surgeries and 15,000 LASIK surgeries, and our expertise in eye surgeries speaks volumes. With over 25 years of practice, we bring a wealth of experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for top-notch eye care.
