Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss if not treated in time. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
In the early stages of glaucoma, there are usually no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”. However, there are warning signs that may indicate the presence of glaucoma. Here are ten signs that you may have glaucoma:.
1. Blurred vision
Blurred vision is a common symptom of glaucoma, especially in the early stages. The blurred vision may come and go, or it may be constant. It may affect one or both eyes.
If you experience blurred vision, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.
2. Eye pain or discomfort
Some people with glaucoma experience eye pain or discomfort, particularly when they wake up in the morning. The pain may be mild or severe, and it may feel like pressure or a headache.
If you have eye pain or discomfort, you should seek medical attention.
3. Halos around lights
Halos around lights can be a sign of glaucoma. They may appear as circles of light around streetlights or headlights. If you see halos around lights, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
4. Difficulty adjusting to low light
People with glaucoma may have difficulty seeing in low light conditions. If you have trouble adjusting to low light, this may be a sign of glaucoma.
Other conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, can also cause difficulty seeing in low light.
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5. Tunnel vision
Tunnel vision is a condition where your peripheral vision is diminished, making it hard to see objects on either side of you. This condition can be a sign of advanced glaucoma.
If you experience tunnel vision, you should seek medical attention immediately.
6. Redness in the eye
If one or both of your eyes appear red, this may be a sign of glaucoma. Redness is caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. If you have redness in one or both eyes, you should consult an eye doctor.
7. Nausea or vomiting
In some cases, glaucoma can cause nausea or vomiting. This is due to the increased pressure in the eye, which can affect the balance of fluids in the body.
If you experience nausea or vomiting along with any of these other symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
8. Eye fatigue
People with glaucoma may experience eye fatigue more frequently than those without the condition. This may be due to the extra effort required to see clearly or the strain placed on the eyes from increased pressure.
If you frequently experience eye fatigue, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.
9. Seeing spots
Seeing spots or floaters in your vision can be a sign of glaucoma. These spots may appear as black or gray specks or lines that move across your field of vision. If you see spots or floaters in your vision, you should see an eye doctor.
10. Loss of peripheral vision
As glaucoma progresses, it can cause a loss of peripheral vision. This means that you may not be able to see objects on either side of you. If you experience a loss of peripheral vision, you should seek medical attention immediately.
