Glaucoma is the term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and blindness due to pressure in the eye. Affecting more than three million Americans, the best way to reduce the effects of it is to catch it early, so it's best to know the early indicators of it and get treatment as quickly as possible. Here are some of the first signs of this serious eye disease.

What Are the First Signs of Glaucoma?

1. Vision Issues

A sudden loss of peripheral vision is caused by the buildup of fluid and pressure on the eye. The blockage, in turn, damages the nerve that carries information to the brain and results in tunnel vision. This issue can damage your depth perception and make it more difficult to partake in everyday activities, like driving. Since glaucoma affects the optic nerve, you could also see rainbow-colored halos around lights when you look at them.  

2. Eye and Head Pain

As glaucoma worsens, you may feel the pressure in your eyes steadily worsen over time. With the acute angle-closure, the optic nerve could become blocked and build up pressure. This will usually lead to a throbbing pain in both eyes, though one may be affected more than the other. 

Though uncommon, this pressure can also cause headaches since it can cause you to strain your vision. If the pain is followed by nausea or vomiting, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible because it’s a sign that the eye disease is progressing rapidly.

3. Vision Loss

If glaucoma progresses slowly, an optometrist will catch early signs of vision loss during an annual screening. To combat the damage to the optic nerve, your eye doctor may recommend eye drops or laser treatment. Though not all vision loss is permanent, when it happens suddenly and it persists, it can be a sign of angle-closure glaucoma, which can develop quickly.

If you need to see an ophthalmologist in Columbia, MD, visit Medical Eye Center. They focus on preventing, detecting, and treating a wide range of vision and occult issues. They employ six doctors that are experienced in a range of specialties, giving treatment options to all ages. To schedule an appointment, call them at (410) 997-9900 or visit their website for more information.