What are the Early Signs of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can have very serious vision loss if not detected early or treated well. Understanding what the early warning signs can make a big difference in the longevity of your vision. Glaucoma of the eye is one of the leading causes of blindness in people ages 40 and older. Unfortunately, the most common form of this eye condition often worsens without any symptoms, causing progressive vision loss and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial- read on to know what to be on the look out for.
What is Glaucoma?
The disease is characterized by having too much pressure in the eye caused by fluid buildup. This clear fluid, known as aqueous humor, continuously flows through the inner eye. If your eye’s natural drainage system is not functioning properly, or excess fluid is produced, there is buildup that causes pressure in the inner eye.
This can eventually damage the optic nerve, which is what allows us to see images clearly. You may begin to develop blind spots, often starting in your side (peripheral) vision. Since the vision loss from glaucoma of the eye is typically gradual, the disease often goes unnoticed until the optic nerve is significantly damaged.
What are the Early Signs of Glaucoma?
Sensitivity to Light:
Although this is not exclusive to glaucoma as an early warning sign, it is something that should always be checked out by an eye doctor. If you fins that light is giving you more trouble than normal or that it lasts longer than the normal few seconds to short minutes, then you will want to get checked out. This symptom as it relates to glaucoma is most often seen in younger people for the disease.Rings or Halos Around Lights:
This one is pretty easy to recognize when you start to see it and realize it, you will know it needs to be looked at. These rings or halos may be rainbow colored even. This is sometimes noticed with sensitivity to the light as well.Blurred Vision:
If you are someone who has never worn glasses or contacts and you start to notice your vision is getting blurry, then again it’s time to get checked out. Those of us with glasses are hyper aware when our vision changes and are typically more inclined to make the appointment to see if we need an updated prescription. Not to say that people with glasses cannot be having early signs of glaucoma, just that you are probably quicker to have it checked out.
Vision Loss- Especially in Your Peripheral Vision:
This can be confused with blurry vision but of course which you experience it as- it’s time to see the doc! Loosing your peripheral vision may not be as easy to notice. You might all of a sudden realize you have be turning your head more to see everything. When you do find this to be troublesome, it could be a sign of glaucoma. This is to be taken very seriously.Cloudy Looking Eyes:
This one is the most commonly known issue- in part to our pets having this issue often. You see older dogs and cats with cloudy looking eyes and you know its glaucoma. Well, it is no different in humans. Hopefully this is not the first sign for you, as it means the disease could be more advanced. If you notice this in a loved one, make sure they take it seriously as well.
What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
Treatment for glaucoma is designed to lower your eye pressure, improve fluid drainage, or reduce fluid production. It is important to note that damage from the disease is irreversible, but when caught early, you can typically avoid severe vision loss.
The eye surgeons at Perich Eye Center offer the following forms of treatment to effectively control your glaucoma: Eye Drops and Laser Therapy. If you are experiencing any of these problems, or have already been diagnosed with glaucoma of the eye and are looking for highly trained specialist, the team here at Perich Eye would be happy to help you out.
Please feel free to contact us today to schedule your next eye exam.
