Glaucoma Signs Before Vision Loss

You expect to have some trouble with your eyes as you get older. You know that at some point, you’ll probably need to start carrying readers. You might even be ready to manage cataracts if they crop up. But you shouldn’t dismiss diminishing vision as a normal part of aging.

In fact, some vision changes could be a sign that you’re dealing with glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness across the globe. 

If you’ve noticed any diminished ability to see or differences in your eyes like halos when you look at lights, come see our team at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates in Aiea, Hawaii. Because he specializes in eye diseases including glaucoma, Dr. Endo can listen to your symptoms, evaluate your eyes, and determine if you need any treatment to protect your ability to see. 

To help you decide if it’s time for a glaucoma screening, let’s look at some of the early warning signs of this condition. 

Eye changes that could point to glaucoma

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a group of eye diseases. They all fall into this category because they damage your optic nerve, which allows you to see. 

Different types of glaucoma come with different early symptoms. That said, there are some general signs for which you should be on the lookout. Some indicators that your optic nerve might be having problems include:

• Blurry vision
• Loss of vision in your periphery/tunnel vision 
• Patchy blind spots that gradually develop
• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Red eyes
• Halos around lights

If any of these come on suddenly, especially if they come with serious head pain and nausea, seek care right away. You could have a fast-moving form of glaucoma (acute angle-closure glaucoma) that constitutes a medical emergency. 

In most cases, though, glaucoma progresses slowly. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it, though. 

Why care is important when you notice signs of glaucoma

If you spot any of the eye or vision changes we just outlined, come see Dr. Endo. Glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. And the damage it causes to your optic nerve can’t be reversed. 

That means the only way to preserve your vision is to take steps to slow glaucoma’s progression. The sooner you see Dr. Endo, the sooner he can implement treatment to protect your optic nerve. 

Dr. Endo tailors treatment based on what your eye needs. That could mean using eye drops or having laser treatment or surgery. He works with you to slow the glaucoma so you can see your best through the years. 

Don’t wait to get eye care if you’ve noticed any of the early signs of glaucoma. Call us or book an appointment online today.