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Glaucoma Signs: How To Tell If You Have This Eye Condition

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

2 Min Read

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Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve of the eye. If untreated, it may lead to blindness.

Glaucoma is the second most leading cause of blindness in the world and little is known about its prevention. However, early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent loss of vision caused by this disease. Here are some risk factors that may increase your chances of having glaucoma.

Age above 60
Family history
Having certain chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and sickle cell anaemia
Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
Had certain types of eye surgery (cataract surgery)
Having certain eye conditions like myopia
Taking medications such as eye drops (adrenergic agents) for a long time

The symptoms vary according to their type. There are three kinds of this glaucoma and you may or may not experience any symptoms until you lose a considerable amount of vision.

Congenital glaucoma

This condition shows up in a newborn or the first few years of the baby’s life. Symptoms include:

Sensitivity to light, tearing and eyelid spasms
Clouding of the cornea or large cornea
Rubbing eyes, squinting or keeping eyes closed most of the time

Narrow-angle glaucoma

Also known as acute-closed glaucoma. Symptoms include:

Sudden and severe throbbing pain in the eye
Eye redness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Blurry or foggy vision
Dilated pupils

Secondary glaucoma and other types

The symptoms depend on what is causing the pressure to rise in your eyes. Symptoms include:

Inflammation in the eye leading to visual halos around light
Sensitivity to light
Blind spots in the vision

How can you confirm if you have glaucoma?

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then it is advised to consult an opthalmologist as soon as possible. The tests are usually painless and do not take a lot of time. The eye doctor will measure the pressure of your eyes with an instrument called a tonometer. Before doing that you will be given drops to numb your eyes so that you don’t feel anything. It is important to inform your doctor if you have had any vision correction surgery or using the medication as it may affect the pressure reading.

Other tests will also be conducted to check the extent of your eye damage and diagnose glaucoma. It is also important to remember that high eye pressure doesn’t necessarily indicate you have glaucoma. High eye pressure without damage is called ocular hypertension. It is important to go for a regular check-up if you have this condition. Glaucoma cannot be prevented but early detection and treatment can keep the condition from getting worse.

The best way to keep all eye problems at bay is to consult an ophthalmologist once a year. If you are experiencing any eye problems or managing some optic condition, you can reach out to our ophthalmologists online on MFine.