Glaucoma Symptoms and Warning Signs
Early detection/diagnosis of glaucoma is one of the keys to preserving a patient’s vision. The condition is incurable, but proper treatment can prevent major vision loss in the long run. That’s why our Chicago, IL eye care center wants to make sure that everyone know the symptoms and early warning signs of glaucoma. Knowledge could prevent you from going blind.
Dr. Steven Chander and his team would like to briefly go over the most common symptoms and risk factors of glaucoma below. For more information, we’d be more than happy to discuss matters with you at Primary Eye Care Associates during a consultation.
Symptoms of Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma comprises 90 percent of all cases of the disease. It develops slowly over time, and the symptoms of the condition can be difficult to detect.
Its most common symptoms include the following:
- Blind spots in your central vision
- Blind spots in your peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision (advanced stages of glaucoma)
These vision symptoms can affect one eye or both eyes.
Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma
The second most common type of glaucoma is known as angle-closure glaucoma. Much less common than open-angle glaucoma, it can develop quickly with noticeable symptoms.
- Serious headaches
- Sore or painful eyes
- Blurry vision
- Halos
- Red eye
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Risk Factors Associated with Glaucoma
In addition to being mindful of the above symptoms, our Chicago eye care specialists also want to note the following risk factors for glaucoma. Be extra-attentive about any symptoms if you experience any of the following risk factors:
- You are 60 years old or older
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You are black, Asian, or hispanic
- You have thin corneas
- You suffer from extreme myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness)
- You’ve had a previous eye injury
- You’ve undergone a previous eye surgery
- You are diabetic
- You suffer from heart disease
- You suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure)
- You have sickle cell anemia
When Should I Visit an Eye Doctor?
Ideally you should visit an eye doctor as soon as any of the above symptoms become apparent. You should also discuss risks of glaucoma with your general practitioner to schedule a dedicated eye exam.
Ideally, people under the age of 40 should undergo an eye exam every five to 10 years. People between the ages of 40 and 54 should see their eye doctor every two to four years. People between the ages of 55 and 64 should see an eye doctor every year to three years. For people age 65 and older, they should see an eye doctor every year or two.
For people with a history of eye health issues and vision problems, eye exams will be more frequently scheduled as needed.
Early Detection Matters
With regular eye exams and proper monitoring of potential symptoms, glaucoma can be caught in its earliest stages. This helps preserve a patient’s vision and prevents total blindness as a result of glaucoma. If you or a loved one has any concerns about glaucoma, our team is here to answer your questions and provide straightforward answers about your eyesight.
Contact Primary Eye Care Associates
If you live in Chicago and would like more information about glaucoma prevention and treatment, contact a skilled vision specialist and eye doctor. You can reach our team by phone at (773) 735-6090.