Do you know if you have glaucoma? Glaucoma can affect anyone but most often occurs in men and women over the age of 40. In most cases of glaucoma, there are no obvious signs or symptoms and most people remain unaware of it until serious vision loss has occurred. The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition:

Normal-Tension Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms:

• Vision loss once advanced

Open-Angle Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms:

• Patchy blind spots in side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms:

• Eye pain after watching television or upon leaving a dark theater
• Halos or rainbows around lights
• Severe Headaches
• Intense eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness in the eyes
• Sudden increase in IOP
• Swollen or clouded cornea
• Blurred vision

Congenital (present at birth) Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms:

• Enlargement and/or clouding of the cornea
• Excessive tearing in one or both eyes
• Sensitivity to light (the infant may close one or both eyes in bright light)

If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15% of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.

Save your vision by getting your eyes tested. If you haven’t seen your eye doctor in a while, make an appointment for a thorough examination including testing for glaucoma. Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight. Contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or palmettoeyeandlaser.com to schedule an exam today.