Imagine losing your vision so gradually that you don’t even realize it’s happening until it’s too late. That’s exactly how glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of vision,” affects millions of people worldwide. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness, yet most people don’t think about it until they’re faced with irreversible damage.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which functions as the connecting “cable” between the eye and the brain. This damage is often linked to high pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), though it can also occur with normal eye pressure. Left untreated, glaucoma leads to permanent vision loss.
What makes glaucoma so dangerous is its stealthy progression. Many forms of glaucoma, especially the most common type—open-angle glaucoma—develop so gradually that noticeable symptoms often don’t appear until significant vision loss has occurred. In most cases, people cannot feel when intraocular pressure becomes high and won’t know there is a problem.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the disease. In its early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential. However, as the condition progresses, you might notice:
- Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision: Often one of the first signs of open-angle glaucoma.
- Blurred Vision: Vision may become foggy or unclear.
- Halos Around Lights: A common symptom, especially at night.
- Eye Pain or Headaches: Sudden and severe pain can occur in acute-angle glaucoma.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Accompanied by eye pain, this can signal a medical emergency.
- Redness in the Eye: Especially when paired with discomfort or vision changes.
Because these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, it’s important to see an optometrist regularly—even if your eyes feel fine.
Video: Everything You Need To Know About Glaucoma
In this wide-ranging discussion, optometrist Dr. Mastronardi delves into everything you need to know about glaucoma, including glaucoma symptoms, treatment & prevention.
Whether you’re curious about early detection, types of glaucoma like open-angle and angle-closure, or advancements in treatment, Dr. Mastronardi breaks it down in simple, clear terms.
What Makes You More Likely to Develop Glaucoma?
Glaucoma doesn’t discriminate, but some people are at a higher risk than others.
If you have a family history of glaucoma, you may be genetically predisposed to developing it. While people of all ages (including children) can get glaucoma, those over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable. Other risk factors include people who:
- have high intraocular pressure
- use steroid medications
- have had past eye injuries or surgeries
- are of African, Hispanic or Asian backgrounds
- are very nearsighted or very farsighted
If any of these factors sound familiar, or even if you’re unsure, it’s crucial to schedule an exam with your optometrist. Early detection is the only way to catch this condition before it takes a toll on your vision.
How Can Glaucoma Be Diagnosed Early?
The only way to catch glaucoma in its early stages is through a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. An optometrist uses advanced techniques to assess your eye health, including:
- Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry)
- Examining the drainage angle of the eye (gonioscopy)
- Checking for optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy)
- Testing peripheral vision (visual field testing)
- Imaging the optic nerve for changes (OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography)
These tests are painless and can detect the early signs of glaucoma long before you notice any changes in your vision.
Routine eye exams are your best defence against this silent killer of vision. If glaucoma is caught early, treatment can begin immediately to prevent further damage.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, don’t panic. While there’s no cure for the condition, effective treatments can manage it and prevent further vision loss.
The most common treatments start with medications, often in the form of eye drops, which work to reduce intraocular pressure. Your optometrist will monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Sometimes lasers are used as initial therapy or if medications aren’t enough to control the pressure. Laser treatments aim to open blocked drainage channels in the eye.
In more advanced cases where eye drops and lasers are not sufficiently lowering intraocular pressure, surgical procedures can create new pathways for fluid to escape, reducing pressure.
Regardless of the treatment plan, the key is early detection. That’s why routine visits to your optometrist are so critical.
Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Vision
Glaucoma might be a silent thief, but it’s one that you can outsmart with regular eye care. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; it could be too late by then.
Your optometrist has the tools and expertise to monitor and manage the progression of glaucoma. A quick, painless exam could be the difference between preserving your vision and losing it forever.
Book your appointment today—and take the first step in protecting your sight from this silent threat.
Protect your eyes from vision-stealing diseases