If not detected and managed early, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma’s initial symptoms often go unnoticed, leading some to call it the, "silent thief of sight.” To retain your vision, it's critical to be aware of the early warning signs, so you can stay ahead of glaucoma development.
1. Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision
Subtle yet progressive loss of peripheral (side) vision, typically occurring in both eyes, is one of the earliest glaucoma symptoms. This change happens so slowly that you might not notice it right away. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential, as they can detect these types of changes before you're even aware of them.
2. Severe Eye Pain
One type of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, can produce substantial, rapid onset symptoms including severe eye pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
3. Blurred Vision
Blurred or distorted vision, particularly in low light, can be another early warning sign of glaucoma. If your vision isn't as sharp as it once was, or if you see halos around lights, don’t take these symptoms for granted or assume they’re just part of aging. It could be glaucoma.
4. Red Eyes
While red eyes can be attributed to various causes, including allergies and fatigue, they can also be a symptom of glaucoma, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or blurred vision.
5. Eye Pressure
A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the eyes can be a sign of increased intraocular pressure, which is a key factor in glaucoma. While this sensation isn't always noticeable, regular eye exams can measure your eye pressure and detect any abnormalities.
Sadly, glaucoma often goes unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs. The best defense is regular comprehensive eye examinations, which can detect glaucoma and other potentially dangerous eye conditions in their early stages, so you can get the treatment you need to retain your vision.
To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300.