Glaucoma is a condition that damages your optic nerve. The intraocular pressure rises slowly, and it may cause permanent vision loss without warning. Although you may not experience pain, various signs may warn you of glaucoma. Getting to know these signs will help you mitigate them, receive treatment early, and prevent vision loss.

Pain may not be one of the signs of glaucoma—at least not in the very early stages. So, be careful and vigilant to recognize the other early symptoms. These include:

Halos Around Lights

When you look at lights, they will seem like headlights. They will have bright circles around them or halos. When you notice this, it is a sign of an eye disorder. It can be cataracts, glaucoma, the effect of LASIK or cataract surgery. Thus, you need to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to be sure what the problem could be.

Vision Loss

Sometimes, you will notice a blind spot in your visual field. You may decide to take your time and see whether it will resolve itself. But as you wait, the rise in intraocular pressure continues to worsen. If you notice a blind spot in your visual field, schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

If you notice the blind spot results in blindness in one eye. The turn of events could be a sign of another underlying issue like a stroke. Call your doctor and tell them what you may be experiencing. They will understand the need for immediate care as you may have a small window to mitigate the situation and avoid permanent vision loss.

Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity is a common sign in younger people. It is not painful, but it can be uncomfortable. It appears due to several reasons. The main one is because of a rise in intraocular pressure.

It causes the eye window to become cloudy and full of water. Consequently, light bounces off the cornea irregularly due to the lack of clarity. It causes glares and light sensitivity. The symptoms may not be harmful to your vision. However, they are an early sign of glaucoma.

Cloudy Looking Eyes

The rise in intraocular pressure causes waterlogging in the cornea. It pushes the fluid against it and makes it look cloudy. You can easily detect this when you look in a mirror. Cloudiness can be a sign of cataracts, especially in older people. Take it seriously and get a checkup when you notice your eyes are cloudy.

Sudden and Severe Eye Pain

Pain is not usual in the early stages of glaucoma. However, it marks the transition from the early stages to an emergency. When you notice sudden and severe eye pain, avoid waiting for it to resolve itself. Call your doctor and check in for emergency care. Sometimes, the pain attack may cause you to have nausea, vomit, and cause eye redness.

For more information on the first signs of glaucoma visit Enochs Eye Care, Clarity Vision of Suffolk. Call (757) 638-2015 to schedule an appointment today.