5 signs you may have glaucoma

Within the medical community, glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sighOnce it is reported, there are typically no noticeable symptoms present. If not treated, the eye condition known as glaucoma can ultimately lead to severe and irreversible vision loss. Although the damage that follows progression of glaucoma is slow, it leaves a significant mark on the eye. Most progressions of the condition need thorough attention.

Blurred vision

Loss of peripheral vision’ is one of the first warning signs that could trigger concern. A key symptom that nobody pays attention to, blurred vision, could signal an early onset of optic nerve damage due to high intraocular pressure. Blurred vision and acute foggy sight can occur with eye discomfort, suggesting early conditions of glaucoma. Some patients may also report redness of the eyes associated with a sense of soreness around the eye.

Seeing halos

According to Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, “Glaucoma can be associated with changes in intraocular pressure, which can also lead to reasons such as seeing halos around lights, especially in dim conditions. These rainbow-colored rings are a sign of change in the eye's intraocular pressure.”

Frequent headache

According to Dr. Digvijay Singh, Director, Noble Eye Care, Gurugram, “In regard to the categorization, frequent headaches or aching around the face and eyes could be an indicator of serious conditions.”

Eye pressure

Any eye discomfort or pressure, especially in the case of acute angle-closure glaucoma, is alarming and warrants immediate medical care.

Difficulty in dim light

Yet another important indicator is marked difficulty in adapting to dim light or blurriness of the objects one tries to focus on.

Regular checkups of the eyes are crucial to maintaining one’s vision, irrespective of if these symptoms are present or not. Treatability of the condition is possible with medicated eye drops or laser therapy.

This group of patients, especially those who have a family history of glaucoma, should be monitored more frequently. Early detection is possible with routine screening, for example, eye pressure measurement and optic nerve examination. Timely intervention promises better control of vision and elimination of irreparable damage.