Glaucoma is a group of diseases affecting the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss due to a build-up of pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. It is important to know the early signs of glaucoma so that it may be diagnosed and treated before significant vision loss has occurred. Dr. Dille in Spartanburg recommends yearly eye exams to check for vision changes and diseases such as glaucoma.

Glaucoma affects millions of people in the U.S., but many of those are unaware they have the disease. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatment options if it’s detected early enough. Different types of glaucoma present alternate warning signs — and sometimes there are no symptoms, particularly in open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate help:

Loss of peripheral or side vision: This is usually the first sign of vision loss due to glaucoma.

Seeing halos around lights: If you see rainbow-colored circles around lights or are unusually sensitive to light, it could be a sign of glaucoma.

Vision loss: Especially if it happens suddenly.

Redness in the eye: Sometimes accompanied by pain which may be a sign of injury, infection or acute glaucoma.

Eye that looks hazy: A cloudy-looking cornea is the most common early sign of childhood glaucoma.

Nausea or vomiting: Especially when it accompanies severe eye pain.

Pain in the eye and in the head: This often occurs in angle-closure glaucoma, a type of glaucoma which can develop quickly.

Tunnel vision: You may start to lose vision around the edges of your visual field.

Though most types of glaucoma cannot be prevented, early detection and ongoing monitoring of eye health can limit the vision loss caused by the disease. If you suspect that you may have glaucoma or if you are due for an eye examination, contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or palmettoeyeandlaser.com to schedule an appointment.