Open Angle Glaucoma
For
open angle glaucoma, a person usually shows no symptoms in the beginning. For this type of glaucoma, there is no pain, and vision stays normal.
However, as the glaucoma progresses, a person with open angle glaucoma may notice the following symptoms:
- Gradual failure of side vision (object in front may be clear, but objects to the side may be missed)
- Narrowed vision
- Blindness.
Angle Closure Glaucoma
The uncommon acute angle closure glaucoma may seem the opposite of open angle glaucoma, erupting in a sudden, violent attack.
In angle closure glaucoma, the fluid at the front of the eye cannot reach the angle and leave the eye. The angle gets blocked by part of the iris. People with this type of glaucoma have a sudden increase in eye pressure.
- Severe pain
- Nausea
- Redness of the eye
- Blurred vision.
If you have these possible symptoms of angle closure glaucoma, you need to seek treatment immediately. This is a medical emergency. If your doctor is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Many people may know of the "air puff" test or other tests used to measure eye pressure during an eye examination. However, this test alone cannot detect glaucoma; while elevated eye pressure means that you are at risk for developing glaucoma, it does not necessarily mean that you have it
(see Glaucoma and Eye Pressure). A person has glaucoma only if the optic nerve is damaged. If you have increased eye pressure but no damage to the optic nerve, you do not have glaucoma.
A glaucoma diagnosis is most often made through a comprehensive eye exam that includes the following:
- Visual acuity test
- Visual field test
- Dilated eye exam
- Tonometry
- Pachymetry.
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