You might expect a clear warning sign when something is wrong with your vision. However, when it comes to conditions like glaucoma, changes to your vision health can be so subtle that you might not initially notice symptoms.
This is why, at Eye Wellness, we focus on patient education and proactive care.
For the most common type of glaucoma, there are often no early signs. The condition usually develops slowly over many years, without causing pain or obvious vision changes. This is why regular eye exams are such an important part of your long-term eye health.
The Silent Nature of Early Glaucoma
Most people with early-stage glaucoma don’t notice any changes in their vision. The first symptoms typically happen to your peripheral—or side—vision. Because your central vision remains clear and because this gradual vision loss happens so slowly, you may not be aware of it until the condition becomes more advanced.
Potential Warning Signs & Symptoms
While the most common form of glaucoma is often symptomless in early stages, there are still potential concerns that you should look out for.
Gradual Vision Changes
- Patchy blind spots, often in your side vision
- Trouble with your peripheral vision in one or both eyes
- Tunnel vision in the more advanced stages
Sudden & Severe Symptoms
- Intense eye pain
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
- Nausea and feeling sick to your stomach
- Redness in the eye
These symptoms can point to a serious issue, and they constitute an urgent eye care situation.
How Your Eyes Might Look with Glaucoma
For most people, an eye with glaucoma looks completely normal. There are usually no outward signs that a person can see just by looking in the mirror. Any changes to the optic nerve are inside the eye and can only be seen during a comprehensive eye exam.
A rarer form of glaucoma known as acute angle-closure glaucoma may cause the eye to look red, but this isn’t typical for the more common form of the condition.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Your Best Defence
Since the first sign of glaucoma is often no sign at all, routine check-ups are key. Early detection allows your eye care team to help you manage the condition and protect your sight for years to come.
What to Expect at an Exam
A glaucoma screening is simple and painless. It often includes a quick measurement of your eye pressure and a close look at your optic nerve. Based on your family history and other factors, your local eye doctor can recommend an eye exam schedule that works for you.
The Goal of Early Treatment
While there’s no cure for glaucoma, treatment can slow its progression. The main goal is to manage the condition to help prevent further vision loss. As your trusted eye doctor in Niagara Falls, we can work with you to create a personalized care plan and help you with the long-term diagnosis and management of eye diseases.
The quiet nature of glaucoma makes proactive eye care important for you and your family. Staying on top of your eye health helps you protect your vision for the future.
Our team at Eye Wellness is here to educate you, listen to your concerns, and find solutions to your problems. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam to take a step toward clear, healthy vision.
