When you think about your vision, the last thing on your mind might be a disease that can steal it away silently, without any notice. That’s precisely what glaucoma is capable of.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that hurts the optic nerve—the important nerve that links the eye to your brain. Glaucoma most commonly occurs due to the elevated pressure built inside the eye, but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. The difficulty is that, in its initial phase, glaucoma doesn’t usually cause any apparent symptoms; that’s why it’s called the “silent thief of sight.”
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we promote early detection to avoid any permanent damage. If you’ve ever wondered if you might have glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.
How Can I Tell If I Have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma may affect anyone at any age, but it’s most prevalent in individuals over 60. The problem is that glaucoma doesn’t always provide obvious warning signs. Most individuals don’t know they have it until it’s well established. Scheduling regular eye exams is the best way to detect it early, even before symptoms show up. These are the warning signs to look out for:
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Open-Angle Glaucoma (The Most Common Type)
Open-angle glaucoma typically develops slowly and painlessly. Since it does not have immediate symptoms, it may remain undetected for years. However, as the disease progresses, you will begin to notice:
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision: You may not even notice this at first, but as your side vision starts to fade, you will find it more difficult to see things out of the corners of your eyes, such as cars going by on the road. This is referred to as “tunnel vision.”
No initial pain or discomfort: Most individuals do not experience any pain during the initial stages of glaucoma, which is why regular check-ups are crucial.
Since vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be treated, the earlier it is detected, the better it is. Even if you experience no symptoms, an annual eye examination is advisable.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (A Medical Emergency)
This type of glaucoma may suddenly and severely manifest, with very painful symptoms that must be addressed right away. If you notice any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
Severe pain in your eyes
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision and redness in the eyes
- Noticing halos around light or a rainbow-colored ring around lights
This form of glaucoma may result in permanent vision loss if promptly treated, so don’t wait to seek help.
- Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma arises when other medical conditions, including cataracts, diabetes, or thyroid disease, cause increased eye pressure or optic nerve damage. Individuals with these conditions are more likely to develop glaucoma. The symptoms might be the same as those of open-angle glaucoma, so it’s essential to remain cautious and visit your doctor regularly if you have these underlying conditions.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma
You can have normal eye pressure, yet it can still cause optic nerve damage. This type of glaucoma is similar to open-angle glaucoma, where the signs can be subtle, and you may notice gradual vision loss. In case you experience blurry vision or blind spots in your visual field, it may indicate normal-tension glaucoma.
Why Should I Worry About Glaucoma?
The worst thing about glaucoma is that, if left alone, it leads to irreversible loss of vision. It’s irreversible because once the damage has occurred, it’s impossible to get your vision back. However, if glaucoma is diagnosed early, it can be controlled successfully so that it no longer harms your eyes.
That’s why eye exams on a regular basis are so important. Even if you don’t see any difference in your eyes, your eye doctor can look for signs of glaucoma in its early stages. The earlier it is discovered, the more there are options for treatment, so safeguard your eyesight today for long-term protection for your eyes.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing glaucoma is easy and requires a couple of simple tests. At Tandon Eye Hospital, your eye physician will:
- Take a measurement of your eye pressure in a test called tonometry.
- Dilate your eyes and view the optic nerve for damage.
- Perform a Visual Field Test (VFA) to observe loss of vision, particularly in your peripheral vision.
- Get an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan to obtain detailed images of your retina and optic nerve.
These tests are quick and painless, yet they can capture glaucoma before it begins to impact your vision.
Treatment for Glaucoma
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be successfully treated to stop further damage. Depending on the severity and type, the various treatments involve:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These are most often used as the most standard treatment to reduce eye pressure. Be sure to use them according to instructions, frequently or daily, to maintain the pressure control.
- Oral Medications: Eye drops are not usually sufficient, and your physician may recommend oral medications to manage eye pressure.
- Laser Treatment: If medications do not work, laser surgery is an option. Some of the common laser procedures are:
- Laser Trabeculoplasty: This procedure enhances fluid drainage in the eye.
- Laser Iridotomy: Usually performed for acute angle-closure glaucoma, this procedure creates a small opening in the iris to enhance fluid drainage.
- Surgery: Only in extreme situations when medications and laser procedures fail to yield results is surgery required. This may involve opening a new drainage path within the eye or inserting a small device to control fluid movement.
Taking Control of Your Eye Health
If you’re at risk of glaucoma—either by age, genetics, or general health—it’s crucial to be proactive about the health of your eyes. Consistent eye check-ups are important for detecting glaucoma at an early stage, even if you don’t experience any signs. Early treatment can prevent losing vision severely and allow you to have clear sight for many years to come.
If you are going through any of the above-mentioned symptoms or just wish to book a regular check-up, don’t delay. Our experts at Tandon Eye Hospital are here to assist you in securing your vision and walk you through any treatments should you require them.
Call us today to schedule an appointment or to discover more about how we can serve your eye care.
