Because it can progress with little symptoms before causing vision loss, glaucoma is known as the “invisible robber of sight.” Despite the dangers of glaucoma, your vision could be protected with a timely diagnosis. When they inspect your eyes, your ophthalmologist can spot early glaucoma symptoms, but are there some symptoms you may spot on your own? In this article, we will talk about some of the early signs of glaucoma, so that you may be equipped with the knowledge to safeguard your health and your senior living experience.
What Is Glaucoma and How Does It Occur in the Body?
A series of eye conditions known as glaucoma harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma may cause irreversible visual loss as it worsens. Your ocular pressure (IOP)Â increases with many types of glaucoma, although not all of them. Optic nerve injury is caused by glaucoma. The optic nerve, which is crucial for communicating visual information to the brain, may gradually degrade due to glaucoma. Generally, although not always, increasing pressure inside the eye causes optic nerve injury.
When the eye’s aqueous humor (fluid) cannot adequately drain, ocular pressure increases. Normally, it exits through the junction of your cornea and iris. Your IOP will increase if there is excessive fluid present if the angle cannot drain properly. It is crucial to keep in mind that in certain cases of glaucoma, optical nerve injury takes place without a rise in pressure in the eye. This makes complete eye health checks highly important, notably if glaucoma occurs in your family (or more frequently as recommended by your eye specialist).
Early Symptoms and Signs of Glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma exhibits multiple early symptoms of development, in contrast to other kinds of glaucoma, which progress without warning until vision loss occurs. You need to see your ophthalmologist right away if you notice these symptoms. Accelerated vision loss might result from this kind of glaucoma. The following signs and symptoms represent the early stages of the dangerous disorder sudden angle-closure glaucoma. If you notice any one of these glaucoma symptoms, make an immediate appointment with your eye doctor.
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Ocular pain
- Ocular redness
- Colored halos that are seen when looking at lights
- Vomiting or nausea
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Even though there are no proven strategies to prevent glaucoma, the condition can be caught early enough to prevent blindness or severe visual loss. Vision loss is quiet, slow, and gradual in primary open angle glaucoma, the most common kind. As it worsens, central sight is lost. Generally, side sight (peripheral vision) is affected first. Glaucoma drugs lower increased IOP to halt optic nerve damage and decrease the evolution of glaucoma. There are additional surgical options available.
Exercise
Your general health will benefit from a consistent routine of moderate activity, and research has indicated that activities like jogging or walking three to four times per week will lessen IOP. Exercise has health advantages, but they only last as long as you keep working out, so regular, moderate exercise is advised.
