Glaucoma Symptoms

The second-leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans, who, with little or no warning, gradually lose their sight. Resulting from high levels of intraocular pressure and nerve damage, glaucoma can cause total blindness or severe vision impairment.

There are two major types of glaucoma: chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and acute closed-angle glaucoma. The most common form, POAG, comes on without symptoms, gradually reducing peripheral vision. Once this type of glaucoma starts producing symptoms, permanent damage has already been done. Because POAG is asymptomatic, it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly for glaucoma tests.

Acute closed-angle glaucoma comes on suddenly and produces symptoms including: eye pain, headaches, haloes around lights, dilated pupils, vision loss, red eyes, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may last for a few hours and then subside, only to return again at another time. Each time an attack occurs, vision becomes more and more impaired. Symptoms of acute closed-angle glaucoma indicate an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

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