Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is a complicated eye disease in which damage to the optic nerve may result in vision loss.

There are several forms of glaucoma; the two most common forms are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). Open-angle glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” because it has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.

Open-Angle Glaucoma Symptoms

There are typically no early warning signs or symptoms of open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years.

Most people who have open-angle glaucoma feel fine and do not notice a change in their vision at first because the initial loss of vision is of side or peripheral vision, and the visual acuity or sharpness of vision is maintained until late in the disease.

By the time a patient is aware of vision loss, the disease is usually quite advanced. Vision loss from glaucoma is not reversible with treatment, even with surgery.

Because open-angle glaucoma has few warning signs or symptoms before damage has occurred, it is important to see a doctor for regular eye examinations. If glaucoma is detected during an eye exam in Medford, your doctor can prescribe a preventative treatment to help protect your vision.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Symptoms

  • Hazy or blurred vision
  • The appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
  • Severe eye and head pain
  • Nausea or vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
  • Sudden sight loss

In angle-closure glaucoma, the rise in eye pressure may occur suddenly (an acute attack of angle closure) or gradually. There are also early stages of the disease in which the angle is closed but the eye pressure may or may not be high and the optic nerve is not affected yet.

Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma are very noticeable and damage occurs quickly. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate care.

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma in Medford, it is important to set a regular schedule of examinations with your doctor to monitor your condition and make sure that your prescribed treatment is effectively maintaining safe eye pressure.

Glaucoma and its symptoms can have a life-changing impact. Maintaining regular eye examinations is key in monitoring eye health. To schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors, contact Medical Eye Center at 800-824-2688 or www.medicaleyecenter.com today.

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