What Does Glaucoma Look Like? Recognizing Symptoms and Signs

What Does Glaucoma Look Like? Recognizing Symptoms and Signs

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve damage is often caused by an increase in eye pressure. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, but early detection and treatment can help preserve vision.

Because glaucoma develops slowly, you may not notice changes in vision until significant damage has occurred. Thats why understanding the signs and symptoms is key, as catching glaucoma early is vital to managing it.

So what does glaucoma look like? And what symptoms should you watch for that may indicate a problem?

The Causes and Types of Glaucoma

Healthy eyes maintain a balanced level of pressure to keep their shape and function properly. Aqueous humor, a fluid between the lens and cornea, flows in and out of the eye to nourish tissues.

With glaucoma, drainage of this fluid becomes impaired. Pressure then builds up, which can damage the optic nerve over time. Peripheral vision is usually affected first.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form. Pressure rises slowly over time due to impaired drainage of aqueous humor. No symptoms until vision loss occurs.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common. Happens when the iris is too close to the drainage angle. Symptoms of pain and blurred vision come on suddenly during an acute attack.

Other less common types include normal tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. All involve optic nerve damage, often related to increased eye pressure.

Common Symptoms and Signs of Glaucoma

Because glaucoma causes such gradual damage, many people have no symptoms until vision loss begins. Peripheral or side vision is affected first.

Some common symptoms and signs that may indicate glaucoma include:

• Blurry vision - Usually starts in peripheral vision and progresses centrally over time.
• Halos around lights - Seeing rings or rainbows around lights is a symptom of corneal edema caused by high eye pressure.
• Vision loss - Starts with peripheral vision and may only affect one eye at first. Vision loss is gradual and painless.
• Eye pain - Sudden, severe pain with nausea and blurred vision point to an angle-closure glaucoma attack.
• Headaches - Some people with glaucoma have headaches around the temples or brow area.
• Eye redness - Increased pressure can cause blood vessels in the eye to expand, creating redness.

Even without symptoms, regular eye exams allow detection of early glaucoma by looking for optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, some factors put you at increased risk:

• Age over 60 - The risk rises as you age, with 10% of adults over 80 affected.
• Family history - Having a close relative with glaucoma increases your risk.
• Farsightedness - Being very farsighted increases susceptibility.
• Eye injuries - Past injuries to the eye or optic nerve raise the risk.
• Certain medications - Steroids like prednisone may contribute to glaucoma.
• Chronic conditions - Diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure and migraine make glaucoma more likely.
• Ethnicity - African Americans over age 40 are at increased risk.

Talk to your eye doctor about your glaucoma risk based on family history, medical conditions and other factors unique to you.

Tests Used to Diagnose Glaucoma

To check for glaucoma, eye doctors utilize a combination of tests, including:

Comprehensive Eye Exam

A complete dilated eye exam allows evaluation of the optic nerve and retina. The pupil is dilated with drops to provide a better view inside the eye.

Tonometry

This test measures eye pressure. A tonometer is a small handheld device that lightly touches the eye to gauge fluid pressure inside.

Pachymetry

Pachymetry determines corneal thickness using an ultrasonic wave. Thickness must be considered along with pressure to determine actual intraocular pressure.

Gonioscopy

A gonioscopy lens allows the doctor to see the drainage angle where aqueous fluid exits the eye. This helps identify whether angle closure glaucoma is present.

Visual Field Testing

Specialized machines map the visual field to look for areas of vision loss characteristic of glaucoma. This allows diagnosis of early damage before symptoms arise.

These diagnostic tests, along with a review of symptoms and risk factors, allow for a definitive glaucoma diagnosis. Ongoing monitoring then guides treatment and management.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Treatment for glaucoma aims to reduce eye pressure and slow the progression of nerve damage and vision loss. Lowering pressure inside the eye prevents further damage to the optic nerve.

Medications, laser treatments and surgical procedures can all help lower eye pressure. Treatment options may include:

Medicated Eye Drops

Glaucoma eye drops like beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha agonists and prostaglandins help decrease eye fluid production and/or improve its drainage. Most glaucoma medications are drops taken once or twice daily.

Oral Medications

Oral prescription carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like methazolamide (Neptazane) may be used short-term to reduce eye pressure when drops aren't enough or before surgery. They carry more potential side effects.

Laser Surgery

Laser trabeculoplasty focuses on improving fluid drainage. A laser beam is used to help open up the drainage angle and allow better outflow of aqueous humor from the eye.

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS uses tiny implants to improve drainage through the trabecular meshwork, reducing eye pressure. It may be an alternative to traditional surgery or drops.

Conventional Glaucoma Surgery

Surgeries like trabeculectomy involve creating a drainage channel to improve fluid outflow from the eye. This is used for severe cases when other treatments fail to reduce pressure.

Most people utilize medicated drops daily to control their glaucoma. Additional laser or surgical treatments may be needed to reach target eye pressures.

Tips for Living with Glaucoma

Glaucoma requires lifelong treatment and monitoring to preserve vision. Here are some tips for managing life with glaucoma:

• Use eyedrops as prescribed - For drops to work, consistent daily use is essential. Have your technique reviewed periodically.
• Take medications properly - If prescribed oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, follow dosage guidelines carefully.
• Attend follow-up exams - Seeing your eye doctor every 3-12 months is crucial to monitor for disease progression.
• Check eye pressures at home - Home tonometry can supplement office visits to track pressure changes.
• Update your prescription - Lens prescriptions may need frequent changes to address vision changes.
• Guard against eye injuries - Protect eyes from projectiles with goggles, helmets, etc. to prevent direct trauma.
• Enroll in vision rehabilitation - Seek out programs that teach skills for maintaining independence with vision loss.
• Support groups - Connect with peers for support and helpful glaucoma tips.

Don't underestimate the importance of glaucoma treatment, even if vision seems fine. Consistent management preserves the vision you still have.

Preventing Glaucoma-Related Blindness

The key to minimizing glaucoma-related blindness is identifying those at high risk and catching the disease early.

Steps you can take include:

• Get a baseline eye exam by age 40 - This allows later comparison to detect subtle optic nerve changes over time.
• Know your family history - Discuss risk with your eye doctor if close blood relatives have been diagnosed.
• Control medical conditions - Manage high blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism and other chronic diseases linked to glaucoma.
• Protect against eye trauma - Wear protective goggles and helmets to avoid direct blows or injuries to the eyes.
• Include dark green veggies - Diets rich in leafy greens may help prevent glaucoma progression.
• Limit caffeine - Consuming large amounts of caffeinated coffee, tea and sodas may increase risk.

Early detection and swift treatment initiation in those with high risk gives the best hope of retaining lifelong vision and preventing blindness.

The Outlook for Glaucoma Patients

The extent of optic nerve damage and severity of vision loss with glaucoma varies greatly. Strict control of eye pressure and near-normal pressures can help slow disease progression to a snails pace.

However, glaucoma cannot be cured. Some degree of permanent vision loss is common, despite treatment. Still, many can retain excellent vision for life when glaucoma is detected and managed early.

Thanks to better screening, medications and surgical techniques, most people with glaucoma will never go blind. Consistent treatment preserves existing vision and maintains quality of life.

Those with advanced glaucoma can also maintain independence with rehabilitation programs and modifications like brighter lighting. Support groups provide resources and hope.

While frightening, a glaucoma diagnosis does not mean inevitable blindness. With proper management and regular monitoring, patients can successfully preserve their vision and adapt to any losses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.