What are the early signs and symptoms of glaucoma?

In this article, esteemed consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon, Mr Jagmohan Chawla, outlines the main early warning signs of glaucoma before going on to detail the various treatment options available for glaucoma.

What are the early signs and symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve gets damaged, and this is usually caused by fluid build-up in the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. This leads to loss of vision if it is not diagnosed early.

The symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma. The main type of glaucoma is called open-angle glaucoma. This condition, especially in the early stages, does not have any associated symptoms.

In open-angle glaucoma, there is a gradual loss of vision. Patchy blind spots can appear in one’s vision, which can affect one’s peripheral vision. In later stages, the central vision will be affected too.

In acute angle-closure glaucoma, patients may experience headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Another classical symptom is haloes around the eyes. Acute-angle glaucoma causes eye redness and watery eyes too.

Another type of glaucoma called normal tension glaucoma. There are no early signs or symptoms associated with this type of glaucoma, but it can lead to gradual loss of vision.

There is another variant of glaucoma, a variant of open-angle glaucoma, in which patients again can see haloes, blurred vision following and during exercise, and gradual loss of peripheral and side vision.

What is the difference between open-angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma?

The main difference between open-angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma is that in open-angle glaucoma, the pressure within the eye can be raised, whilst in normal tension glaucoma, the eye pressure does not raise.

What are the available treatment options for managing glaucoma?

The initial treatment is always eye drops. This is usually a life-long treatment, and is the most common form of treatment. Regular use of eye drops prevents a further increase eye pressure.

There are laser treatments available as well. For example, in open-angle glaucoma, selective laser trabeculoplasty is highly effective. In closed-angle glaucoma, we use YAG laser.

If laser treatment and eye drops do not work, trabeculectomy surgery is performed. Medications can also be administered after surgery.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is another available option, which has become available in recent years. We use stents in this minimally invasive procedure. Cataract surgery can also be effective for people suffering from glaucoma.

Can glaucoma be prevented, and are there any risk factors to consider?

There are several risk factors associated with glaucoma. You are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you are over 40, have a family history, or if you are very far or nearsighted. Eye injury and long-term use of steroids can also increase your chances of developing the eye condition.

Also, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or any circulatory disorder for that matter, you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Exercise can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Quitting smoking is highly advisable if you want to prevent glaucoma. If you know you have a family history of glaucoma, you should get your eyes checked as much as possible.

How often should one undergo screenings or eye exams for detecting glaucoma?

As a general rule, a comprehensive eye examination is recommended every five to 10 years if you are under 40, every two to four years if you are between 40 and 45, and every year if you are over the age of 45.

To book an appointment with Mr Jagmohan Chawla, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.