Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma; however, they all inhibit vision in one way or another. Common symptoms of glaucoma include cloudy eyes, sensitivity to light, and loss of side vision.

 

An Introduction to Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is a group of diseases sharing certain features, including high pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure), damage to the optic nerve, and loss of peripheral (side) vision. Glaucoma symptoms can develop in one or both eyes. There are several types of glaucoma, with open angle glaucoma being the most common. In this article, we will discuss the glaucoma symptoms for:
 
  • Open angle glaucoma
  • Angle closure glaucoma
  • Congenital glaucoma.
     
Open Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
At first, a person with open angle glaucoma has no symptoms; the condition causes no pain, and vision stays normal.
 
However, as the glaucoma progresses, a person with open angle glaucoma may notice the following glaucoma 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 Symptoms
The uncommon primary angle closure glaucoma (also known as acute glaucoma) may seem the opposite of common 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.
 
Angle closure glaucoma symptoms include:
 
  • Severe pain
  • Nausea
  • Redness of the eye
  • Blurred vision.
     
If you have these symptoms, you need to seek treatment immediately. This is a medical emergency. If your doctor is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic.
(Glaucoma Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD