Blurred Vision or Something More? How to Spot the First Signs of Glaucoma

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that develops with little to no early warning signs. Left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness.

The condition occurs when elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve, causing gradual vision loss. 

The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, often has no noticeable symptoms until peripheral vision loss occurs. 

Some people may experience patchy vision or blind spots, but in most cases, signs aren’t apparent until permanent vision loss has already happened. In contrast, narrow-angle glaucoma can cause sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain, headaches, and blurred vision, making early detection crucial for preventing long-term damage.

What is Usually the First Sign of Glaucoma?

Optic nerve damage is often an early indicator of glaucoma, though most people don’t notice it until it’s detected during a specialized eye exam.

A common way to screen is a glaucoma diagnostic test.

Another early warning sign is the presence of blind spots in your vision. Eye specialists take blind spots seriously, regardless of the cause, so it is vital to assess them promptly.

Symptoms of Pigmentary Glaucoma

Pigmentary glaucoma can develop when pigment from the iris rubs off and clogs the drainage channels of the eye, causing pressure buildup. This condition is known as pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS).

If you have pigmentary glaucoma, you may experience blurred vision or see halos around lights, particularly during physical activities such as biking or strenuous household chores. 

Since certain risk factors, including genetics, can play a role. While family history can increase your risk, regular eye exams can help with early detection and management. If you notice symptoms, book an appointment with your eye specialist immediately.

How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed

The best way to detect glaucoma early—and take steps to slow its progression—is to have regular eye exams.

The Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry)

Your optometrist may perform a tonometry test to measure your eye pressure and determine if it’s within a normal range. The process usually involves:

• Applying numbing drops and a dye to your eye
• Shining a light into your eye
• Gently touching the surface of your eye with a tonometer to measure pressure.

Tonometry is a quick and painless test that takes only a few minutes. Numbing drops make monitoring eye health easy, and most people feel little to no discomfort.

Optic Nerve Exam

Since optic nerve damage is a key indicator of glaucoma, your optometrist at Abasa Optical may perform an optic nerve exam, which includes:

• Dilating your pupils with eye drops
• Using advanced imaging technology, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to examine the optic nerve
• Using a slit lamp to take a close look at the back of the eye

This non-invasive exam provides valuable insights into optic nerve health. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of vision loss.

Visual Field Test

A visual field test checks for blind spots in your vision. The test typically involves:

• Watching a series of light spots appear in sequence
• Pressing a button whenever you see a light spot
• Confirming that your peripheral vision remains intact

Difficulty seeing light spots in your side vision may indicate blind spots, which can be a sign of glaucoma. This simple test provides essential information for early diagnosis and management.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma – A Medical Emergency

Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common but more urgent form of the disease. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, it can develop suddenly and cause severe symptoms, including:

• Blurred or rapidly declining vision
• Intense pain in the eye or forehead
• Headaches
• Eye redness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seeing halos around lights

An acute angle-closure glaucoma attack is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Routine glaucoma screening should begin in adulthood, especially as you age. To assess your risk, an Abasa Optical optometrist will check your eye pressure, pupil dilation, and IOP levels.

The following factors can increase your chances of developing glaucoma:

• Genetics: A strong hereditary component exists—if glaucoma runs in your family, your risk is four to nine times higher.
• Age: People over 60 are at greater risk.
• Ethnicity: Those of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent have a higher risk, sometimes as early as age 40.
• Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can raise glaucoma risk.
• Medical Conditions: Hypertension, severe nearsightedness, thin corneas, diabetes, and chronic eye inflammation can elevate eye pressure, increasing glaucoma risk.
• Eye Trauma: An eye injury can raise intraocular pressure and lead to glaucoma.

Prevention Strategies

While glaucoma can’t always be prevented, you can take steps to keep your eyes healthy and catch the disease in its early stages. Strategies include:

• Scheduling regular eye exams
• Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Staying hydrated
• Exercising regularly to support circulation
• Avoiding smoking and limiting caffeine
• Protecting your eyes from injury and UV exposure
• Wearing safety glasses when needed

Managing and Slowing Progression

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, there are ways to slow its progression and preserve your vision:

• Continue regular eye exams to monitor eye pressure.
• Follow treatment plans, including medications, laser procedures, or surgeries.
• Take prescription eye drops as directed and report any side effects to your doctor.
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce eye pressure.
• Discuss safe exercise options with your doctor.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease, but early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. While lost vision cannot be restored, managing intraocular pressure (IOP) can help prevent further damage. With proper care, most people with glaucoma can maintain their sight.

Regular eye exams remain the best defense against glaucoma, allowing for early detection and treatment to protect vision and overall eye health. For those at risk due to conditions like diabetes, scheduling a diabetic eye exam in Surrey can be an essential step in monitoring eye health and preventing complications.

Bottom Line

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Recognizing the early warning signs—such as blurred vision, halos around lights, or gradual peripheral vision loss—can make all the difference in preserving your sight. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and effective management.

Abasa Optical prioritizes your eye health with comprehensive exams to catch glaucoma and other vision concerns early. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—book your eye exam here and take the first step in protecting your vision for the future.