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What Are the First Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition involving damage to the optic nerve, at times also including increased intraocular pressure. Over time, glaucoma typically leads to permanent vision loss as the optic nerve deteriorates. 

Anyone is technically at risk of developing glaucoma, so understanding what the first signs of the condition are critical. That allows you to take swift action if symptoms develop, making it easier to preserve your vision through proper treatment. 

The First Signs of Glaucoma 

There are a few early warning signs that glaucoma is developing. Some patients may only have a single symptom, while others may experience several. Regardless of the number of symptoms, it’s critical to understand that they’re potentially indicative of a serious condition. 

Here’s a look at some of the first signs of glaucoma. 

Blurry or Hazy Vision 

Intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage both impact visual acuity. As a result, one of the first signs may people with early-stage glaucoma notice is blurriness or hazy vision. In some cases, patients may also experience other visual distortions. Regardless of its nature, any vision changes are worrisome, as they’re often indicative of an eye condition. 

Eye Redness 

Increased pressure in the eye can lead to redness. Its severity can vary, as well as its persistence. However, eye redness without a clear cause is a potential sign of glaucoma. 

Halos Around Lights 

Halos around lights are potentially a symptom of several eye conditions, including glaucoma. In some cases, the halos experienced by those developing glaucoma are described as both colorful and bright. However, any halos that aren’t attributed to a known condition are potentially concerning. 

Eye Pain 

Glaucoma can cause eye pain, even in the early stages. Additionally, headaches can also occur in the eye area. Often, the pain is severe, often so much so that it differentiates itself from other types of headaches. 

Nausea or Vomiting 

Typically, nausea or vomiting alone aren’t symptoms of glaucoma. However, if they’re accompanied by vision changes and eye pain, they’re potentially symptoms of the condition. 

What to Do If You Have Signs of Glaucoma 

If you’re experiencing any of the early signs of glaucoma above, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider right away. They can formally evaluate you for the condition, and if glaucoma is responsible for your symptoms, they’ll develop a plan to reduce damage and alleviate symptoms. 

Even if glaucoma isn’t responsible, some of the symptoms above are associated with other serious eye conditions. As a result, it’s always best to get evaluated right away if you’re experiencing vision changes, eye pain, unexplained redness, or halos, including if it is or isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above that could indicate glaucoma or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Glaucoma Treatment and Management

During January, we recognize Glaucoma Awareness month by taking a close look at the eye condition. While we addressed what the condition is in our Understanding Glaucoma article and outlined the various kinds in our piece about the Types of Glaucoma, we wanted to ensure that patients had more information.  

If you’re wondering what treatment and management options are available for glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

Glaucoma Treatment and Management  

Glaucoma has the ability to cause permanent vision loss, including blindness. Fortunately, several treatment options are available that can reduce fluid levels and the pressure created by the condition.  

Getting the right kind of treatment quickly prevents additional vision loss. The fluid and pressure reductions help preserve the optic nerve, making further damage less likely. As a result, your current visual capabilities may remain intact, or the rate of impairment might be significantly reduced, depending on the severity and nature of your condition.  

Usually, different management approaches work best in certain situations. Here is a look at standard glaucoma treatment options.  

Prescription Eye Drops  

Certain prescription eye drops can reduce the pressure in your eye by decreasing the amount of fluid present. Since vision loss relating to glaucoma is caused by rising fluid-related pressure, it’s a practical option for certain patients.  

One of the benefits of this glaucoma management strategy is that it’s non-invasive. However, you might need to use the eye drops every day for the rest of your life to ensure the fluid and pressure levels stay in the acceptable range.  

Laser Treatment  

If eye drops aren’t sufficient for addressing the pressure increases created by the condition, laser treatment is an option for glaucoma patients. It’s more invasive than drops but not as invasive as glaucoma surgery.   

The laser treatment allows fluid to drain from the eye more efficiently, reducing the pressure faster than can be achieved with eye drops. At times, laser treatment alone is enough for treating glaucoma for up to five years, though some patients may need to continue using eye drops during that period. The treatment may also be repeatable, giving you a way to extend the effectiveness of this management strategy, though that isn’t always the case.  

Surgery  

Another option for treatment is glaucoma surgery. This option is more invasive than the alternatives, but it also provides results more quickly, reducing eye pressure far faster than either of the options above.  

There are several techniques your eye care provider may consider if glaucoma surgery is deemed the best option. If you need this type of treatment, your eye doctor will discuss the reasoning behind the method they select, ensuring you’re fully aware of why they consider it the best choice.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of glaucoma, want to explore a different glaucoma treatment or management strategy, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.