Glaucoma symptoms: 6 early signs you shouldn’t ignore and who is more at risk

Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated. In the UK, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, yet many people remain unaware they have it. This is because the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, progresses without obvious early symptoms, gradually affecting peripheral vision. Detecting glaucoma early through regular eye examinations is essential, as timely treatment can significantly slow its progression and preserve vision. Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually linked to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, and damage to it can lead to partial or complete vision loss.The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and painlessly, meaning it can go unnoticed for years. Other forms, such as angle-closure glaucoma, can appear suddenly with severe symptoms and require immediate medical attention.As reported in an NHS study, glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight”, develops gradually and usually without pain, making early symptoms like blurred vision, blind spots, and halos easy to miss. Timely and frequent eye examinations are essential to protect against permanent vision damage and prevent significant vision loss.1. Peripheral vision loss (Tunnel vision)One of the earliest and most common indicators of glaucoma, particularly open-angle glaucoma, is the gradual loss of peripheral vision. This often begins near the nose and slowly progresses outward. Because this change happens so gradually, many people don’t notice it until significant vision is lost.2. Formation of subtle blind spotsBlind spots, or scotomas, may develop in your visual field. These are usually patchy and so subtle that they can only be detected during a comprehensive eye examination, particularly through a visual field test.3. Blurred vision and mild visual disturbancesSome individuals report occasional blurred vision or slight fuzziness, sometimes after physical exertion. While this is not always a clear sign of glaucoma, it can indicate early optic nerve stress and should not be ignored.4. Halos around lightsSeeing rainbow-like halos around lights, especially at night, can indicate increased eye pressure or corneal swelling, which sometimes occurs in acute glaucoma cases.5. Sudden and severe symptoms (Acute angle-closure glaucoma)Although rare, this type of glaucoma is an emergency. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, nausea or vomiting, sudden blurred vision, red eyes, and seeing halos around lights. Immediate treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss.6. Often no noticeable early symptomsFor most people, glaucoma has no obvious signs in its early stages. Vision damage accumulates silently, which is why routine eye examinations are the most effective method of detection.Certain groups are more vulnerable to developing glaucoma, including:If you fall into any of these categories, you should have regular comprehensive eye exams, which include intraocular pressure checks and visual field testing.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | How to reduce joint pain after chikungunya recovery: Effective tips for faster relief