You know that regular checkup you might sometimes postpone? When it comes to your eyes, putting it off can be especially risky. A popular phrase for glaucoma is the “silent thief of sight” for a scary reason: in its most common form, it can steal your vision slowly and without any pain at all. You could miss the signs until real damage is done. That is why knowing what to look for and getting checked are among the most important things you can do for your long-term sight.

Let us talk about what to watch for. The symptoms usually fall into two groups: the quiet, easy-to-miss hints and the urgent alarms that mean you need help right now.

The Quiet Whispers: Subtle Signs to Notice

These signs creep in slowly. You might not even realize they are happening because you just adapt. Here is what might actually be a nudge from your eyes to see a doctor:

• Losing Your Side Vision: This often feels like your peripheral vision is slowly narrowing. You might start missing objects beside you, bump into doorframes, or find that night driving feels more difficult and confined.

• Seeing Halos or Rainbow Rings: Do bright lights at night, like headlights or streetlamps, suddenly have colored rings or glare around them? This can be a telltale sign of increased pressure inside your eye.

• Blurry or Hazy Vision: Your vision may seem foggy or unclear, and a new glasses prescription does not fix it. This cloudiness can come and go.

• Frequent Prescription Changes: Annual changes to your glasses or contact lens strength should be a concern. Constantly shifting vision can sometimes point to fluctuating eye pressure.

• Persistent Eye Redness: Red eyes can be from allergies or tiredness. But if the redness persists and is accompanied by any aching or discomfort, it is worth getting it checked out.

The Urgent Alarms: Signs of a Medical Emergency

Sometimes, glaucoma does not whisper; it shouts. This sudden form, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a true medical emergency. When this happens, you cannot afford to sit down and do nothing. These symptoms, when they appear together, especially suddenly, require immediate action.

• Sudden, Severe Eye Pain: This is not mild irritation. It is often intense, deep pain in or around your eye.

• A Sudden, Severe Headache: This usually hits right along with the eye pain, often on the same side of your head.

• Nausea: Feeling nauseated or actually throwing up might happen along with the other symptoms.

• Sudden Vision Loss: Any sudden drop in your vision, such as everything going dark or blurry in one eye, means you should not wait.

What You Should Do Next

If any of the quiet whispers sound familiar, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. The tests are painless and straightforward. Your eye doctor will measure your pressure and carefully examine your optic nerve.

If you ever experience a group of urgent alarm symptoms, this is different. This is not a “schedule an appointment” situation. Go to an emergency room right away.

Remember, for many, glaucoma has no early symptoms. This makes regular eye exams your strongest defense, especially if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have conditions like diabetes. Protecting your sight starts with paying attention and making that appointment.

For more on glaucoma, visit Erin Mills Eye Clinic at our Mississauga, Ontario, office. Call (647) 496-9500 to schedule an appointment today.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4212-glaucoma 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/glaucoma-symptoms-6-early-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore-and-who-is-more-at-risk/articleshow/123556243.cms