Glaucoma Awareness Month

The Early Signs of Glaucoma You Shouldn’t Ignore

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide, yet it often develops without obvious warning signs. Many people are living with glaucoma and don’t realise it until significant damage has already occurred. Understanding the signs — and knowing when to act — can make all the difference.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. The optic nerve is essential for sending visual information from the eye to the brain, and once it is damaged, the resulting vision loss cannot be reversed.

Why Glaucoma Is Often Missed

One of the most concerning aspects of glaucoma is that it frequently has no symptoms in its early stages. Vision loss happens gradually and painlessly, meaning people often adapt without realising anything is wrong.

Early Signs of Glaucoma

Although early glaucoma may go unnoticed, some subtle signs can appear:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

• Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions

• Needing brighter light to read or focus

• Mild blurring of vision

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Because these changes happen slowly, they are easy to dismiss as ageing or eye strain.

Signs of Advanced Glaucoma

As the condition progresses, symptoms become more noticeable:

• Tunnel vision, where side vision is severely reduced

• Difficulty navigating steps, pavements, or uneven surfaces

• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

• Persistent hazy or blurred vision

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By this stage, permanent damage has already occurred.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Medical Emergency

Some forms of glaucoma develop suddenly and require urgent medical attention. Symptoms include:

• Severe eye pain

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sudden blurred vision

• Halos around lights

• A red, painful eye

If these symptoms occur, seek emergency care immediately.

Who Is Most at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

• Are over the age of 40

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure

• Use steroid medications long-term

• Are of African, Caribbean, Asian, or Hispanic heritage

The Hard Truth

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent. However, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and preserve remaining sight.

Regular, comprehensive eye examinations — including eye pressure checks and optic nerve assessment — are the most effective way to detect glaucoma early.

Final Thoughts

Glaucoma doesn’t have to lead to blindness, but it does require awareness and action. If it has been more than two years since your last eye test — or if glaucoma runs in your family — booking an eye examination could protect your vision for life.

Your eyesight is not something to take for granted. Early detection saves sight.